King Charles delivers pointed message on U.S. visit amid rising tensions with Trump

U.K. RoyalsKing Charles delivers pointed message on U.S. visit amid rising tensions with TrumpBetween quips about history and a gift to President Donald Trump, the British monarch’s speech to Congress paired levity with reminders of alliances, obligations and shared values.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00 body:has(.jw-flag-floating) .article-hero__container, body:has(.jw-flag-floating) .article-hero__media-holder, body:has(.jw-flag-floating) #content { z-index: auto; } Add NBC News to GoogleKing Charles calls on the U.S. to help defend Ukraine and NATO02:59Get more newsLiveonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleApril 29, 2026, 10:42 AM EDTBy Freddie ClaytonA toast, a bell and a few well-placed punchlines.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.King Charles III is heading to New York from Washington on Wednesday, leaving a trail of raised eyebrows and knowing laughs. Between quips about history and plenty of praise for America's place in the world, the British monarch’s speech to Congress on Tuesday paired levity with pointed reminders of alliances, obligations and shared values — soft-edged rebuttals to some of the very positions aired by President Donald Trump. With the relationship between the Unites States and the United Kingdom fraying, Charles used humor and history to try to steady the alliance, while quietly pushing back and making the case that, disagreements and all, the “special” relationship still has work to do.President Donald Trump walks with King Charles III during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday.Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty ImagesSupport for NATO, inclusivity and the "defense of Ukraine and her most courageous people" each featured in a series of indirect rejoinders to Trump in his speech.Charles' political speeches are written by the government, although Buckingham Palace aides have told NBC News that the tone and language were most likely...