King Charles formally began the state dinner with remarks about the friendship between the U.S. and U.K., one he said may have surprised their forefathers hundreds of years ago.
“Anchored by the deep friendship between our people, this relationship which, with good reason, we and our predecessors have long called special, has made us safer and stronger through the generations,” the king said. “Our people have fought and died together for the values we hold dear. We have innovated, traded and created together, fueling our economies and cultures through myriad forms of exchange. We have celebrated together, mourned together and stood together in the best and worst of times.”
“Mr. President, as we appreciate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year, it is remarkable to think just how far we have come. I cannot help but wonder what our forebears from 1776 would think of this friendship today,” the king continued.
The king said the U.S. and U.K. have long fought “tyranny” together, and do again today as they support Ukraine.
“Our countries have the closest defense, security and intelligence relationship ever known. In two world wars, we’ve fought together to defeat the forces of tyranny,” he said. “Today as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine to deter aggression and secure peace.”
“Mr. President, Mrs. Trump, the bond between our two nations is indeed a remarkable one. Forged in the fire of conflict, it has been fortified through our shared endeavors and burnished by the deep affection between our people,” the king said. “Tested time and again, it has borne the weight of our common purpose and raised our ambition for a better world. So in renewing our bond tonight, we do so with unshakeable trust in our friendship and in our shared commitment to independence and liberty.”