Among other things, the British King recalled the reaction to the terrorist attacks in the USA on September 11, 2001, when NATO activated Article Five on collective defense. “We responded to this challenge together – as our people have done for more than a century, side by side, through two world wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan and moments that defined our common security,” he said.
“Today, the same, unyielding determination is needed to defend Ukraine and its bravest people – to ensure a truly just and lasting peace,” the British king said. Trump has repeatedly expressed his skepticism about both NATO and aid to Ukraine defending against Russian aggression.
“The commitment and expertise of the armed forces of the United States and its allies form the heart of NATO, they have pledged to defend each other, protect our citizens and interests, and protect North Americans and Europeans from our common adversaries,” said Charles III. At the same time, British monarchs traditionally interpret the position of the local government in their public speeches.
The king’s visit is perceived by commentators as a chance to use Trump’s sympathy for British monarchs and symbols of the monarchy in general to repair the currently damaged relations between the White House and the British government. In recent months, Trump has sharply defined himself against his European allies in NATO, including Britain, because of their refusal to actively participate in the war with Iran led by the US and Israel. Trump has repeatedly criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying that he is “not Winston Churchill” and that he destroyed a historically close alliance.
The king and his wife Camilla arrived in Washington on the occasion of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the former British colonial territory, today’s United States. Both had a private meeting with the American presidential couple shortly after the beginning of the four-day state visit on Monday.
“After we gained independence several centuries ago, Americans have had no closer friends than the British,” said US President Donald Trump, who was accompanied by his wife Melania, in his welcoming speech. He compared the bond between the two nations to a tree that Karl’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II, planted during her last visit to the White House, and which now has three times the size and girth of the trunk. This exceptional and carefully maintained bond will last long into the future, the president said.
After Trump’s speech, the royal couple watched a military parade and a flyover of army fighters from the White House balcony.
