The King has offered his congratulations to the United States on the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence from the UK.
In a message to president Donald Trump, the monarch hailed a ‘historic milestone’ for the American people.
Charles said he and the Queen were both ‘proud and honoured’ to have marked the occasion during their state visit in April.
His letter made reference to the ‘enduring bond’ between the US and the UK and to the ‘remarkable journey’ of the American people in the last two-and-a-half centuries.
He wrote: ‘I am greatly encouraged by the enduring bond between our countries, and by the many connections between our peoples, which we were able to see once again, at first-hand, on our visit.
‘Through centuries of shared challenge and achievement, our nations have built a relationship founded on friendship, trust and a belief in liberty, the rule of law and the dignity of all people.’
The message also highlighted a ‘shared responsibility’ to protect the nature and the environment, a contrast with the US president’s denialist stance on climate change.
It concluded with the King’s standard signature, Charles R.
The King took part in a varied schedule during his trip across the pond, including a white-tie banquet and tea at the White House with Trump and his wife Melania.
The visit also saw the British head of state address the US Congress as well as attend a street party in Virginia.
The King’s full letter to Donald Trump
Dear Mr President,
My wife and I are delighted to send our warmest congratulations to you and to the people of the United States of America on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of your nation’s independence.
We were proud, and honoured, to be able to celebrate this special anniversary during our visit to the United States in April.
This year marks a truly historic milestone and a moment of great celebration for Americans everywhere.
It offers an opportunity to pause and reflect on the remarkable journey of the United States over the past two-and-a-half centuries, and to honour all that has been achieved since 1776.
The story of the relationship between our two nations is one of extraordinary evolution, from overcoming conflict to forging one of the closest and most productive alliances the world has seen.
Across defense and security, trade and investment, science, research, education, culture and the arts, the ties between the United Kingdom and the United States are unique and far-reaching.
Together, we face the challenges of today, and the opportunities of tomorrow. As I said in my address to the joint Houses of Congress, our shared roots run deep, and they are still vital.
I am greatly encouraged by the enduring bond between our countries, and by the many connections between our peoples, which we were able to see once again, at first-hand, on our visit.
Through centuries of shared challenge and achievement, our nations have built a relationship founded on friendship, trust and a belief in liberty, the rule of law and the dignity of all people.
As we look ahead to the next 250 years, I have no doubt we will continue to defend our shared values.
I also hold a deep appreciation of our shared responsibility to protect the natural world, knowing the decisions we take today will determine whether our critical natural systems will not just maintain the harmony and essential diversity of nature, but also continue to provide the foundation for our prosperity and our national security for both present and future generations.
The connection between our peoples is one that I trust will only grow stronger with time.
As you mark this momentous occasion, my wife and I send our warmest good wishes to you and to the people of the United States of America, today and in the years ahead.
Charles R.
It followed Trump’s unprecedented second state visit to the UK last September.
Last night, Trump kickstarted a weekend of celebrations across the US with a half-an-hour address at Mount Rushmore, home to the famous sculpture heads of former presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.
The president predictably used the occasion to deliver some attacks against political opponents, warning of a ‘communist menace’ threatening the US.
Today, July 4, is to be celebrated across the country with parades and fireworks.
Trump has placed himself front and center of the festivities, promising ”the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all’ in Washington tonight, complete with military flyovers and fireworks.
However a poll suggested that a majority of Americans believe July 4 celebrations have become too political.
This included half of Republican voters and two thirds of Democrats.
Much of the so-called Freedom 250 celebrations have taken a religious focus, with Christian speakers and nods to America’s spiritual heritage at the expense of glossing over other cornerstones of US history such as civil rights and slavery.
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