King gets ovation for speech hailing importance of UK and US partnership

King Charles delivered a high-profile address to the US Congress stressing the "indispensable" UK–US partnership, backing for NATO and support for Ukraine. The speech — greeted with about a dozen standing ovations and wide applause — aimed to repair recent transatlantic tensions and reassure US lawmakers amid an unpredictable US administration. He referenced the UK’s "biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War" and invoked shared democratic values. Market impact is likely limited and indirect: the visit and conciliatory tone could modestly reduce political risk premium around the UK and be mildly supportive for sterling (GBP) versus the dollar, but any FX effect is likely to be short-lived and uncertain given broader macro and political drivers.