History was made this week as King Charles III became the first British king to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress. Among those present to witness this momentous occasion was Vince Benedetto, CEO of Bold Gold Media Group and president of the Churchill Society of Pennsylvania. His invitation came from U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, who found Benedetto’s vast knowledge of British history compelling.
“I said, ‘Hey, what do you know about King Charles?’ And he gave me a seven-paragraph response about everything about him,” Bresnahan commented, indicating the ease with which he made his decision to invite Benedetto. The event, which also included an arrival ceremony at the White House, was a spectacle of historical significance for Benedetto, who noted, “This is the first time in American history that a British king has addressed a joint session of Congress.”
Kylie Cooper
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Pool via Associated Press
Meuser: ‘A very strong, compelling speech’
King Charles III’s speech emphasized the enduring transatlantic relationship between the U.S. and the UK, a pertinent issue amidst current geopolitical tensions. “The challenges we face are too great for any one nation to bear alone,” the king stated, underscoring the necessity for continued cooperation.
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser praised the speech as “very strong” and “compelling,” noting its emphasis on the historical ties and current alliances between the two nations. Meuser, who met the king briefly, shared his appreciation, stating, “I thought it was a very good talk.”
Mackenzie praises king’s ‘inspirational message’
U.S. Rep Ryan Mackenzie also commended King Charles III, describing his address as “well-delivered and well-received.” Mackenzie emphasized the speech’s reminder of the longstanding friendship between the U.S. and the UK during America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Rep. Bresnahan echoed these sentiments, highlighting the bipartisan unity the event fostered. “So having him here was certainly one of the rare occasions of bipartisanship,” Bresnahan remarked, emphasizing the shared democratic values between the nations.
Benedetto: ‘I think he lived up to the moment’
Despite the current strains in U.K.-U.S. relations, Benedetto reflected on the significance of the royal visit, quoting Winston Churchill’s advice to never separate from the Americans. “He had big shoes to fill,” Benedetto said of Charles, “I think he lived up to the moment.”
