I just listened to Charles III’s historic speech before the United States Congress. During his 30-minute address, the King received thunderous applause, and both Democrats and Republicans – something that hardly ever happens even during a president’s speech – rose to give him standing ovations a total of 12 times.

British constitutional expert Michael Ellis praised him on GB News:

He is an exceptionally skillful diplomat, and he truly stands at the very top of the diplomatic field. His speeches were a masterclass, both of them – the one he delivered in Congress, and then the one he gave in the middle of the night our time at the White House in white tie at the banquet. He was able to address many issues, even potentially controversial ones, and do so extremely well. Nowadays, when people seek to deliver a political message, they often do so quite loudly and somewhat imperatively. He did not sound preachy at all. On the contrary – he was charming and amusing. He was a true diplomat, a skillful diplomat.

The English Bible teacher Arthur W. Pink wrote in his 1923 classic The Antichrist:

He will emerge from obscurity, but by dint of his diplomatic skill he will win the admiration and compel the cooperation of the political world. In the early stages of his career he appears as “a little horn” (or power), but it is not long before he climbs the ladder of fame, and by means of brilliant statesmanship, ascends its topmost rung. Like the majority of politicians, he will not scruple to employ questionable methods; in fact it will be by diplomatic chicanery and intrigue that he will win his early successes. Dan. 11:21 tells us that at first they will not give to him the honor of the kingdom, but “he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.” Once he gains the ascendancy none will dare to challenge his authority. Kings will be his pawns and princes his playthings

As for the content of the King’s speech itself, I have very little to criticize. It was rhetorically and diplomatically skillful, and at times quite witty, as Sir Michael Ellis already emphasized. However, in the hands of the Antichrist, rhetorical skill will be merely a tool by which he succeeds in uniting the whole world under his authority. At one point in his speech, Charles III even alluded to the famous Messianic prophecy of Isaiah about beating swords into plowshares (Isaiah 2:4) – albeit in an inverted sense:

And, Mr. Speaker, for many here – and for myself – the Christian faith is a firm anchor and daily inspiration that guides us not only personally, but together as members of our community. Having devoted a large part of my life to interfaith relationships and greater understanding, it is that faith in the triumph of light over darkness which I have found confirmed countless times.

Through it I am inspired by the profound respect that develops as people of different faiths grow in their understanding of each other. It is why it is my hope – my prayer – that, in these turbulent times, working together and with our international partners, we can stem the beating of plowshares into swords.

I am mindful that we are still in the season of Easter, the season that most strengthens my hope. It is why I believe, with all my heart, that the essence of our two nations is a generosity of spirit and a duty to foster compassion, to promote peace, to deepen mutual understanding and to value all people, of all faiths, and of none.

Note Charles III’s emphasis on the importance of the Christian faith, which drew applause from many Republicans, as well as his emphasis on interfaith dialogue, which drew applause from many Democrats. This provides a clear example of how Charles managed to frame his own controversial role as a defender of faiths—representing a sharp departure from his predecessors’ constitutional role as defenders of the Christian faith—in a way that resonated with both Republicans, who typically place greater emphasis on America’s Christian heritage, and Democrats, who in turn emphasize secular pluralism and respect between different religions.

The visit itself also functioned as a diplomatic bridge between the strained relations of the United States and the United Kingdom—relations that Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer has tightened in recent months by refusing to support the United States in its war with Iran. Although Donald Trump has criticized Starmer bluntly, he is also known as an Anglophile and an admirer of the royal family. As the King’s visit demonstrated, Trump shows an unusual degree of respect toward the monarch, even though they stand at nearly opposite ends of the political spectrum—though it is reasonable to question whether that sentiment is entirely mutual.

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Read also: King Charles III is already behaving like the Emperor of Europe

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