King Charles III’s visit to the United States was a great success, both in Europe and in America.
With his characteristic class and the humour that only the British are capable of – both courteous and caustic, biting yet polite – he missed no opportunity to have his say to a Donald Trump who, for once, was rendered powerless by protocol and his almost childlike admiration for the monarchy.
Reminding him of all that the United States owed to Europe, including the bloody cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, he praised the historic commitment of both sides of the Atlantic to human rights, confirming that the struggle now lay with the Ukrainians, whom this US administration has abandoned to their fate.
Explaining the history of checks and balances, he stated, to the sustained applause of a delighted Congress, that they were fundamental to democracy, as evidenced by the numerous decisions of the Supreme Court itself.
He spoke of multilateralism, peace and international organisations at the heart of an administration that rejects and humiliates them.
Finally, he did not fail to mention, a matter close to his heart, the imperative fight for the environment before a president who denies its necessity.
Charles III’s remarks gave a strong voice to Europe, one whose influence is increasingly being heeded across the globe, at a time when power politics seems to have become the inevitable rule among the major powers.
This cannot be a coincidence. Moreover, the United Kingdom has already rejoined the European family on security and defence matters, also reopening the door to student exchanges and cooperation of all kinds.
This European voice, now championed by the French President, the Italian, Spanish, British and Polish Prime Ministers, and the German Chancellor, stands in stark contrast to Donald Trump’s remarks. It has been heard at the very heart of the US presidency.
Perhaps it will not change either its tone or its excesses?
But it confirms the European consensus not to give an inch.
Well done to the King of England, who has personified it and gave it vigorous new impetus.
It now remains to turn it into reality.
