King Charles to appeal to Donald Trump with unity message in Congress speech but he will defend Navy and NATO

 The King will appeal to President Trump to “come together” with Britain and our allies to forge peace around the world. During a speech at a joint meeting of Congress on Tuesday, the monarch will suggest the UK and US should work together to promote security and prosperity.

King Charles and Queen Camilla touched down in America today, ahead of a four day visit which has been besieged with controversy and last minute emergency security arrangements.

Alongside commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, the King is set to empathize that while we have not always agreed on matters, "time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together".

Marking only the second time a British monarch has addressed a joint meeting of Congress, the first being Queen Elizabeth II in 1991, the King will underscore the need to work in partnership amid challenging times around the globe.

In his speech, which is expected to last 20 minutes and written on the advice of the government which has been heavily criticised by Trump in recent weeks, the King will say in the hearts of our two nations lies “a generosity of spirit and a duty to foster compassion, to promote peace, to deepen mutual understanding and to value people of all faiths and none”.

Charles will also face down the Trump administration’s brutal slur against the “big, bad Royal Navy” following the US launching war in Iran, by reminding his audience that “our defence, intelligence and security ties are measured not in years but in decades”.

As well as speaking on shared alliances on trade and technology for the future, the King will also use the address to consider that defending our common ideals is “crucial for liberty and equality” for all.

The King is expected to receive a warm welcome from Congress and will conclude by noting that the commemorations of the 250th anniversary is a chance to reflect on our history of “reconciliation and renewal”, which has produced “one of the greatest alliances in human history”.

Charles' speech will break a longstanding record, previously held by the late Queen Elizabeth II, with his 20-minute address, far surpassing the 12-minute speech delivered by his late mother back in 1991.

The state visit comes at a pivotal moment for the UK and US, with relations between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and American leader Trump fractious. Trump has branded the UK’s approach to the Iran war “terrible” and repeatedly lashed out at Starmer – at one point describing him as “not Winston Churchill”.

And reports have suggested the US could review its position on the Falkland Islands in retaliation for Starmer's lack of support for the war in Iran.

The monarchy’s soft power diplomacy is its strongest weapon in support of the UK’s overseas interests and there will be hope in Downing Street that Charles and Camilla can help put the UK-US special relationship on a firmer footing. Mr Trump appears to have an affinity with the King, saying when asked by the BBC if the visit could help repair strained transatlantic relations: “Absolutely. He’s fantastic. He’s a fantastic man. Absolutely the answer is yes.”