The King's speech to Congress: Unpacking his not-so-subtle messaging

A fascinating speech by King Charles, one full of subtle and some not-so-subtle messaging.

It was delivered carefully, with respect, with spades of humour and with both history and politics threaded through it.

A few immediate takeaways.

As it happened: King gives pointed messages after talks with Trump

Religion

His references to interfaith dialogue are not a surprise – it's an issue he feels very strongly about, not least because he is head of the Church of England.

But in a society where Islamophobia and antisemitism can run deep and where general xenophobia is rife, the language feels intentional.

NATO, conflict and Ukraine

He sought, not so subtly, to remind Americans that the only time NATO invoked Article 5 (an attack on one is an attack on all) was after an American tragedy – 9/11.

He did so in the knowledge that the US president has frequently asked, "What has NATO ever done for us?"

The subtext here is clearly intended to act as a reminder that the UK has so often been alongside the US.

There was a reminder, too, of the importance of continued support for Ukraine.

Defence

He conceded that other nations need to step up and that the UK is doing just that.

But he emphasised that shared defence commitments are and must remain "hard-wired together".

Environment

He talks of the "disastrous" melting of the ice caps and the need to "safeguard nature".

It's an intentional contrast to "drill, baby, drill". It's clever how he parallels Scotland with Appalachia, given the president's love of Scotland.

Trade

He seeks to remind America of the advantage of mutual trade.

Partnership, not isolation

"We must ignore the clarion calls to become even more inward-looking." That's direct.

He said too that "in these turbulent times, working together and with our international partners, we can stem the beating of ploughshares into swords..."

⁠⁠Leadership and responsibility

He reminds this American audience that the actions of America "matter more than ever".

The limits of power

In reminding the audience of the common basis of US and UK law, he said: "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."

That's a notable inclusion, given President Trump's push to expand executive power.

There was a standing ovation here – one of many – but this one mostly from the Democrats.

Pictures sourced via Reuters and AP

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