The diplomacy at play behind the King's speeches

The diplomacy at play behind the King's speeches43 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleNoor NanjiRoyal correspondentGetty ImagesKing Charles III's address to Congress was always going to involve walking a diplomatic tightrope.But he managed to make a speech that made a number of important political points - all delivered in a gentle, King-like way.There were references to Nato and Ukraine, a reminder of the importance of Western democracy, and a subtle message about climate change - something US President Donald Trump has previously called a "hoax".His words prompted no fewer than 12 standing ovations, suggesting his points landed with his audience.And the reaction from across the world has been overwhelmingly positive too. The New York Times comments on his "subtle rebuttals" to Trump, while Le Monde said it took a King from the UK to remind US politicians of "the habit of sophisticated speeches". Royal meaning must often be decoded, and the King will have wanted to avoid offending his host. Notwithstanding, this was a monarch standing his ground on the issues that matter the most to him.So how did the King navigate the delicate balance of making a point while staying cordial.Getty ImagesThe King's words prompted no fewer than 12 standing ovations, suggesting his points landed with his audienceSupport for NatoThe King's speech defended Nato, at a time when Trump has been openly criticising members of the military alliance for their reluctance to play a greater role in the war in Iran.Citing former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, the monarch spoke of an Atlantic "partnership," which, he said was "based on twin pillars: Europe and America".He also referred to the immediate aftermath of the attacks of September 11, 2001, when Nato allies mobilised in defence of the US."In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, when Nato invoked Article Five for the first time, and the United Nations Sec...