Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJane DaltonTuesday 28 April 2026 21:59 BSTKing Charles says US ‘lies at the heart of Nato’ after Trump's repeated threats to leave allianceKing Charles addressed a joint session of the US Congress Tuesday, implicitly challenging President Donald Trump's threats to withdraw the US from NATO by affirming the alliance's importance and highlighting Britain's increased defence spending.During his historic speech, the King underscored the necessity of 'unyielding resolve' for Ukraine's defence, drawing a parallel to the invocation of NATO's Article 5 after the 9/11 attacks.He emphasised the enduring 'special relationship' between the UK and the US, describing their partnership as 'one of the greatest alliances in human history' and more crucial than ever, despite past disputes.The King also touched upon the climate crisis, urging a shared responsibility to protect natural systems, and referenced the recent shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, calling for unity in upholding democracy.In a subtle remark, Charles spoke of the 'collective strength' needed to support victims of societal ills, which was interpreted by some as an oblique acknowledgement of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.In fullKing Charles says US ‘lies at the heart of Nato’ in historic Congress speech after Trump’s threats to leaveThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in