The King has underlined the enduring nature of the NATO alliance between the US and Europe, and stressed the importance of continuing to help Ukraine, as we enter a more politically contentious part of his address.
He noted this year is the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, which he will commemorate tomorrow in New York, and that NATO’s Article 5 – the mutual defence clause – was invoked for the first and only time in the aftermath of that atrocity.
King Charles stressed the importance of continuing to help Ukraine.AP
“We answered the call together, as our people have done so for more than a century, shoulder to shoulder, through two World Wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan and moments that have defined our shared security,” Charles said.
“Today, Mr Speaker, that same, unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine and her most courageous people, in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace.”
The Democrats were quick to leap to their feet, applaud and cheer when Charles called for the ongoing support of Ukraine. Republicans also rose to applaud, albeit a little slower off the mark.
These comments are significant as Donald Trump has wavered on both his commitment to the NATO alliance and support for Ukraine in its four-year-old war against Russia.