King Charles charmed America last night as he gave one of the most important speeches of his reign – and his long public life.
Bringing Shakespeare, Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II to the table, The King addressed US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and hundreds of guests inside the White House at the glittering State Dinner, the set piece focal point of his historic State Visit.
With Queen Camilla at his side, wearing some of the most historic jewels in the royal vaults, King Charles spoke of the shared bonds and values of the US and the UK and turned even the trickiest matter into a moment of considerable charm. Touching on matters many miles from Washington, he sad ”When my Mother visited in 1957, not the least of her tasks was to help put the “Special” back into our relationship after a crisis in the Middle East. Nearly 70 years on, it is hard to imagine anything like that happening today…”
There were references, too, to other family members as The King joked about the US map reading like his Christmas card list before name checking places that shared names with his own relations – with a special mention for all things Willam.
But it was the masterful use of diplomatic and warm words that made this a speech to remember – from the presentation of the bell from SS Trump amidst a sea of words about courage – to the playful references to shared history. The King ended with the acknowledgement that Washington holds more Shakespeare folios than anywhere else in the world before turning to the Bard for his closing words, noting ”my speech entreats, that I may know…why gentle Peace should not…bless us with her former qualities.”
Charles III had chosen Henry V for his rallying – a king whose own foresight and charm had done so much to bolster his country internationally. In Washington, at this glittering event, he found another heir.
You can see King Charles III and Donald Trump’s speeches here
