The King’s Speech

King Charles gave a masterclass in decency, decorum and graciousness in his 34 minute speech to a joint session of Congress yesterday. What a relief!

Gone were the elements of derision and divisiveness, not to mention braggadocio, that characterize a Trump speech to a joint session. The King made important points without demeaning anyone. Members of the assembled body themselves appeared happy, even relaxed, as the King reaffirmed the historic ties between the United Kingdom and the U.S. without pretending the two nations have always been, or are today, on the same page in everything.

What stood out? Three things. First, the King’s speech exhibited a sense of history. Second, it was unifying without glossing over present issues or disagreements. Third, there was, at least to me, a felt sense of our common humanity.

Speaking in anticipation of the 250th birthday of the U.S. and of our Declaration of Independence upcoming this July 4th, the King reached all the way back to the 13th century, to 1215 and the Magna Carta, the foundational agreement which placed limits on the power of kings and how it reverberates in our own Constitution. Charles spoke to a Congress that seems to have forgotten the essence of this historic agreement, checks and balances on executive authority. Beyond that, he couched his remarks in terms of the centuries long history of our two nations, which by implication, puts the present fevered moment in context and perspective. This too shall pass.

Beyond the point about checks and balances on executive power, Charles cited the importance of NATO, reminding Congress and President Trump that the only time NATO’s Article 5 for common defense of one of its members has been activated was after the 9/11 terrorist attack and on behalf of America. NATO, really all of Europe, stood with us in that dark time. The King signaled, as well, the importance of support for Ukraine, again a contrast with the current administration’s attempt to wash its hands of that war while dissing Ukraine’s leaders. Overall, Charles spoke of the U.S. and U.K. relationship as being one of “reconciliation and renewal.” which again puts the current moment in a larger, longer and hopeful context.

Which points to my third take-away, a reminder of our common humanity, not just the common humanity of Brits and Americans, but of all of us. Charles spoke of his own Christian faith while also underscoring the need for respecting and learning from faith’s other than one’s own. For me the common humanity theme was also present in other ways, his mention of his service in the Royal Navy and his “great pride” in doing so. A royal is not above military service, really it is required. He citied his own ancestors, including his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, so reminding us of family and generation upon generation. And he was funny without his humor being at the expense of anyone, except perhaps himself, which is always a good move.

Charles did what we so sorely need our leaders to do. He reminded us of our better, not our lesser or more base, instincts. By word and example, he stressed unity, the ties that bind, decency and graciousness. Again, what a blessed relief.

We still don’t want a king in America, but this one can visit anytime!