By the end of last week, the King and Queen had returned to their Kingdom after what was widely billed as a highly successful State visit to the United States of America. However, what appears to have captivated the American audience most were the King’s jokes and his layered messages. He drew deeply from rich British history not only to make his audience laugh, but also to deliver important political and moral messages that experts are still trying to decipher. ALSO READ: Reflecting on King Charles’s tricky trip to the U.S. Of all the jokes told by the King, one stood out for me, and I still giggle whenever I remember it. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill had once spent a night at the White House and, when President Roosevelt went upstairs for a chat, he found the Prime Minister completely naked. Churchill reportedly remarked, “The British Prime Minister has nothing to hide from the US President.” The King then added a masterpiece of a joke: “My mother saw 13 US Presidents - thank God all of them fully clothed.” While Americans are trying to dissect the King’s speech and understand what he truly meant, the British are basking in what they describe as the success of a visit that may have helped reset the “special relationship.” In a speech delivered before both Houses of Congress, the King spoke passionately about the United Kingdom’s shared history with America and the good that comes from working together to achieve common objectives. One British royal observer commented, “The King was thrown into the lion’s den and rose with great dignity.” She added, “He became a moral leader to Americans, not only to the UK.” The King reminded his audience that the United States was founded 250 years ago - “or what we British call just the other day” - on the ideals of respect for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Royal experts believe that since King Charles III ascended to the throne after Queen Elizabeth II, the US visit gave him an opportunity to emerge from his mother’s shadow and reveal “who he really is and the values he stands for.” One royal watcher described it as “a rebirth, a rebranding of him.” At a time when some believe the US executive branch is overreaching its authority, the King quoted from the Magna Carta - which he noted has been cited in at least 160 US Supreme Court cases since 1789 - to remind Americans that executive power is subject to checks and balances. Some experts interpreted this as a subtle reminder to Congress to exercise its oversight role over the Presidency. The Magna Carta, of course, is the royal charter of rights sealed by King John of England in 1215. And while the US President has at times threatened to “wipe out civilizations,” the King reminded his audience that “America’s words carry weight and meaning” around the world, and that US actions matter even more, as if to caution: be mindful of what you say and do. “It was an extraordinary performance, and the majority of Americans support what he said,” one American commentator observed. Another declared: “The King came and conquered Washington.” Some sections of British public opinion had initially opposed the visit because of what they viewed as a hostile posture by some administration officials toward the UK. However, many are now pleased that the King did not shy away from addressing subjects considered controversial in the US, yet deeply valued in Britain, such as community cohesion, climate change, global conflicts, and mutual understanding. British media have quoted Buckingham Palace officials as saying that Downing Street expressed delight and gratitude at the success of the King’s tour. Did the visit truly reset the special relationship? Only time will tell. But as Americans would say, the King’s message, and the jokes, landed remarkably well. The writer is a keen observer of global affairs.
