WASHINGTON, D.C. — King Charles III delivered a joint address to the U.S. Congress on Tuesday afternoon, referencing conflicts in the Middle East and in Europe. He also referenced threats to democracy posed by recent political violence that disrupted the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

"With the spirit of 1776 in our minds, we can perhaps agree that we do not always agree," the king said. He also told lawmakers, "Executive power is subject to checks and balances."

Speaking about collective security, the king said, "From the depths of the Atlantic to the disastrously melting ice-caps of the Arctic, the commitment and expertise of the United States Armed Forces and its allies lie at the heart of Nato, pledged to each other's defence, protecting our citizens and interests, keeping North Americans and Europeans safe from our common adversaries." The king also stated, "The actions of this great nation matter even more."

The address came as U.S.-U.K. relations were strained. The British government has been reluctant to fully back a joint U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. The visit was described as an effort to ease tensions through diplomatic engagement.

President Donald Trump praised the monarch ahead of the address. "He's a fantastic person," Trump said. "They're incredible people and it's a real honour," he added.

The king did not mention Jeffrey Epstein or his victims during his remarks. Last year, Congress passed legislation mandating the release of U.S. government-held files related to the Epstein investigation. The release of those files led to new revelations about Epstein's connections to former U.K. ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson and to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Queen Elizabeth II spoke at the Capitol in 1991.