WASHINGTON

King Charles III marked the 250th anniversary of American independence from Britain on Tuesday with a pointed message of gratitude and solidarity, telling a joint session of the U.S.

Congress that the two nations had forged “one of the most consequential alliances in human history” — while warning against the temptation to “become ever more inward-looking.”

The king repeatedly underscored the deep historical and cultural ties binding the United States and the United Kingdom. Yet beneath his unifying and optimistic rhetoric lay a series of nuanced cautions, urging American leaders to remain collaborative and globally engaged.

Charles stressed that the U.S.-U.K. alliance — tested anew by President Donald Trump’s military actions in Iran — “cannot rest on past achievements.”

He called for “unyielding resolve” in supporting Ukraine against Russia and praised the NATO alliance, even as Trump has consistently undermined it.

The king also offered praise for religious pluralism and interfaith dialogue — themes rarely highlighted in Trump’s Washington.

And as the White House continues to roll back climate regulations, Charles encouraged those in power to “reflect on our shared responsibility to safeguard nature, our most precious and irreplaceable asset.”

By James Kisoo