King Charles lauded checks and balances. At the same time, the White House posted a photo calling Trump a King

As King Charles addressed Congress on how executive power is "subject to checks and balances," the White House's official X account posted a photo of the British monarch with President Donald Trump captioned: "TWO KINGS."

King Charles III emphasized the importance of the U.S.-U.K. alliance as well as NATO in his historic address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday afternoon, during his four-day state visit with Queen Camilla.

As the royal praised American democracy to cheers and applause from lawmakers, the White House posted an image on X of Charles and Trump earlier in the day. It showed the two men sharing a jovial moment on the South Lawn of the White House and was captioned: "TWO KINGS", complete with crown emoji.

The King’s speech to members of the House and Senate came hours after he and Queen Camilla exchanged gifts with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. After the exchange, Trump and King Charles met at the White House behind closed doors.

The king then drew thunderous applause and even received a standing ovation after noting that the United Kingdom’s Declaration of Rights of 1689 served as inspiration behind the American Bill of Rights.

open image in gallery

open image in gallery

“Our Declaration of Rights of 1689 was not only the foundation of our constitutional Monarchy, but also provided the source of so many of the principles reiterated – often verbatim – in the American Bill of Rights of 1791,” he said.

“And those roots go even further back in our history: the U.S. Supreme Court Historical Society has calculated that Magna Carta is cited in at least 160 Supreme Court cases since 1789, not least as the foundation of the principle that executive power is subject to checks and balances.”

The remarks prompted lawmakers to jump to their feet and erupt into cheers. The comment also appeared to be a subtle swipe at Trump, who many have criticized for his monarchal ambitions.

“No Kings” protests against Trump have sprung up across the country both this year and last, drawing in massive crowds rallying against what they see as the president’s authoritarianism. An estimated 7 million Americans took place in 2,100 “No Kings” protests this past October.

The Magna Carta, which was established in 1215 by King John, asserts that everyone — including Kings — are subject to the law of the land.

Charles, who gave the address from the same spot in the House chamber where his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, had spoken 25 years earlier, did not mention Trump by name. He also did not speak to American politics due to restrictions placed on him by his constitutional role in the British government.

King Charles emphasized the importance of the U.S.-U.K. relationship, especially of the NATO alliance, amid tensions between Trump and NATO leaders of the Iran war.

open image in gallery

“From the depths of the Atlantic to the disastrously melting ice-caps of the Arctic, the commitment and expertise of the United States Armed Forces and its allies lie at the heart of NATO, pledged to each other’s defence, protecting our citizens and interests, keeping North Americans and Europeans safe from our common adversaries,” he said.

“Our defence, intelligence and security ties are hardwired together through relationships measured not in years, but in decades.”

He also acknowledged the United States’ 250th anniversary while making a point about climate change.

“As we look toward the next 250 years, we must also reflect on our shared responsibility to safeguard Nature, our most precious and irreplaceable asset,” Charles told members of Congress.

Calling the U.S.’s natural wonders “a unique asset,” Charles reminded people that protecting the environment would be crucial for the future of the country.

“... Generations of Americans have risen to this calling: indigenous, political and civic leaders, people in rural communities and cities alike, have all helped to protect and nurture what President Theodore Roosevelt called ‘the glorious heritage’ of this land’s extraordinary natural splendour, on which so much of its prosperity has always depended,” he said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies