WASHINGTON, April 28 (Reuters) - Britain’s King Charles will press the importance of unity with the United States and the need to defend democratic values in an address to Congress on Tuesday at a time of deep divisions between the two countries over the war in Iran.
Charles and Queen Camilla are on a four-day state visit to the U.S. designed to underscore the ties forged between Britain and its former colony over the 250 years since independence, known in recent decades as the “special relationship.”
The king will steer clear of the political acrimony between President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer but underline their countries’ shared values as the duty to promote peace, compassion and democracy, while protecting the environment and religious freedom.
A palace source said that, despite the periodic differences in the two countries’ relationship, the king will say: “Time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together.”
The long-planned visit has unfolded against tensions over the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, after Trump repeatedly criticized Britain for declining to support the offensive, and after an internal Pentagon email suggested Washington could review its support for Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands.
