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UK's King Charles III on Tuesday condemned the shooting during the White House Correspondent's Dinner while addressing a Joint Meeting of the United States Congress, asserting that violence aimed at disrupting democratic institutions will never succeed.
Delivering a speech during his ongoing state visit to the United States, the British monarch referenced the assassination attempt at US President Donald Trump during the annual event at the Washington Hilton on Saturday, stating, "We meet, too, in the aftermath of the incident not far from this great building that sought to harm the leadership of your Nation and to foment wider fear and discord. Let me say with unshakeable resolve: such acts of violence will never succeed." Emphasising democratic unity despite differences, King Charles III said, "Whatever our differences, whatever disagreements we may have, we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm, and to salute the courage of those who daily risk their lives in the service of our countries." The address, prepared with input from the UK government while reflecting the monarch's personal tone, opened against the backdrop of rising global uncertainty and domestic security concerns in the US. The King framed his remarks within a broader context of shared democratic values and historical ties between the United Kingdom and the United States. "I would like to take this opportunity to express my particular gratitude... to thank the American people for welcoming us to the United States to mark this semiquincentennial year of the Declaration of Independence," he said, noting that the destinies of the two nations have been "interlinked" for over four centuries, and have evolved from historic disagreements into a robust alliance. "Standing here today, it is hard not to feel the weight of history on my shoulder," he said, emphasising shared democratic traditions and values. Highlighting the enduring partnership, the King described the US Congress as a "citadel of democracy" and reflected on the long arc of UK-US relations, which have evolved from conflict to one of the most consequential alliances in modern history. He also paid tribute to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, recalling her address to Congress in 1991, and expressed "the highest regard and friendship of the British people" toward Americans. Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the White House with full ceremonial honours, marking the formal phase of the royal couple's four-day state visit. The ceremony on the South Lawn included a 21-gun salute, military honours, and participation from multiple branches of the US Armed Forces. (ANI)
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