King delivers pointed message on amid rising tensions with Trump

Support 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 his.

Charles’ most pointed comments come at a moment when American-British relations are arguably at their lowest point in decades over the Iran war, Trump’s disagreements with NATO and his criticism of Britain’s immigration policies.

While granting U.S. forces the use of British bases, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has denied Trump’s calls for the U.K. to be more actively involved in the Iran war. Those tensions hit a new high when Reuters published an internal Defense Department email last week that proposed punishing Britain for its position on Iran by reviewing America’s position on the Falkland Islands. NBC News has not reviewed the email.

But Charles said the alliance was “truly unique,” and “more important today than it has ever been,” while praising U.S. forces and allies “at the heart of NATO,” which keeps “North Americans and Europeans safe from our common adversaries.”

Later that evening at a state dinner, Charles broadened his remarks beyond the alliance to constitutional and environmental themes, including references to executive power being “subject to checks and balances,” delivered amid a war not approved by Congress, and to “the disastrously melting icecaps of the Arctic.” Trump, his host, is a climate-change skeptic.

“America’s words carry weight and meaning, as they have since independence, the actions of this great nation matter even more,” Charles said, closing out his speech to Congress with a comment that comes as Trump’s unique and no-holds-barred approach distresses longtime international allies and upends norms and long-term agreements.

At times understated, at others more pointed, the speech appeared to land well in the room, drawing many standing ovations.

Trump was full of praise for the king at the dinner.

In one apparently unscripted remark, Trump referred to Iran and said “Charles agrees with me even more than I do, we’re never going to let that opponent have a nuclear weapon.”

British monarchs are subject to rules and norms meant to prevent them from taking overtly political stands. Asked about Trump’s comments about Iran, a palace spokesperson told NBC News: “The king is naturally mindful of his government’s long-standing and well-known position on the prevention of nuclear proliferation.’

Speaking at the state dinner, Charles remained jovial, continuing with jokes about the two countries’ shared language and history, including a quip about the White House. He also turned to more serious matters, particularly the war in Ukraine again, invoking historic U.S. support where it is now seen as wavering.