NPR News: 04-29-2026 1AM EDT

King Charles III's historic address to U.S. Congress highlighted transatlantic ties amid global tensions. The British monarch, following his mother Queen Elizabeth II's 1991 speech, delivered remarks touching on NATO, Ukraine support, interfaith values, diversity, and checks on executive power. He referenced collective defense invoked only once for the U.S. after 9/11 and called for unified strength against societal ills, including a veiled nod to Jeffrey Epstein's victims, as confirmed by an anonymous royal aide.

King Charles on NATO, Ukraine, and Epstein

Charles urged stronger U.S. backing for Ukraine and emphasized NATO's role in mutual defense. His line about supporting victims of "ills that so tragically exist in both our societies" was intended for Epstein's survivors, per the aide, who noted royals cannot speak publicly. Charles has settled a lawsuit with one Epstein victim, denying wrongdoing while facing ongoing police investigation. A Congress member requested a meeting with victims, but none is scheduled. The speech marked a rare political stance from an apolitical sovereign.

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