Have the royals got their mojo back from US visit?

King Charles appears to be experiencing a significant turnaround in public perception after a series of challenging months. During his recent state visit to the United States, the King delivered speeches that combined charm and subtle critique, including playful jabs at President Trump. This unexpected dynamic has captured the attention of a wide spectrum of observers, even winning praise from some who have been traditionally critical of the monarchy.

Commentators have been quick to recognize the impact of Charles’s performance. Alastair Campbell, a known republican, expressed admiration for the King’s speech and the confidence it displayed in British and European values. Similarly, historian Sir Anthony Seldon noted Charles’s skillful navigation through a delicate situation, highlighting how the monarch underscored support for Ukraine, NATO, climate change initiatives, and the limits of presidential power despite the unpredictable nature of the US president and recent threats against him. Seldon regarded the visit as remarkably significant, comparing it to King George VI’s 1939 trip just before the Second World War.

The atmosphere in the Capitol chamber during the King’s speech was surprisingly supportive, a reaction that defied expectations given the backdrop of recent royal controversies, especially those concerning Prince Andrew. Emily Maitlis, who previously interviewed Prince Andrew on Newsnight, described the speech as uplifting, likening it to “a sort of Love Actually speech, but written by Plato.” Her sentiment reflected how the moment brought a sense of collective optimism, even amid ongoing political tensions between the UK Prime Minister and the US President. Despite doubts and challenges—including public skepticism and a recent shooting in Washington that cast a shadow over the trip—King Charles received an extraordinary response, with multiple standing ovations during his address.

The success of the visit extended across the partisan divide. Conservative Senator Lindsey Graham praised the King’s wit and humor, while former ambassador Nikki Haley highlighted his ability to unify Congress. The New York Times even likened his performance to that of a stand-up comedian working the room. Critics of the monarchy, such as author Andrew Lownie, acknowledged the King’s address as “brilliant,” while emphasizing the need for continued scrutiny of the monarchy’s handling of controversies. Former diplomat Lord Peter Ricketts underscored the demanding nature of the diplomatic challenge Charles faced, emphasizing his humor as a key asset. Though the King will return to ongoing scrutiny at home, many believe that his speech to the US Congress will be remembered as one of the defining moments of his reign

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