Honouring a Historic Relationship
Your Royal Highness, esteemed Cabinet Secretaries, distinguished Members of Congress, cherished friends and allies, and both Redcoats and Rebels,
Firstly, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Band of Bugles & Rifles for their presence this evening; it is a true delight to have them here with us.
In the year 1776, celebrations marking the King’s Birthday on this side of the Atlantic were, let’s say, rather muted. Yet, 250 years later, we find ourselves with an extraordinary narrative to commemorate.
From George III to Charles III, from adversaries to allies, we have transformed a minor family dispute over taxation into one of the most productive alliances known to mankind.
This semi-quincentennial year has been remarkable. We have witnessed a historic State Visit, the largest British trade mission to the United States to date, and a World Cup that conclusively established one fact: no Scotland, no party.
Earlier this month, twenty-five years after the tragic events of 9/11, we came together in New York, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon to honour those whose bravery and sacrifice continue to intertwine our nations.
Moreover, just last week, our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, had an encouraging initial meeting with President Trump.
In light of all this, I return to the words of His Majesty The King’s momentous address to Congress: our relationship is “vital, enduring and consequential.” As we look ahead, I wish to share three key messages with you today.
The Power of Reinvention
What strikes me most is not merely the strength of our bond but its remarkable capacity to reinvent itself as we define the decades to come.
Since Claire and I returned to Washington DC in February, the place of our children’s birth, we have traversed this magnificent country, witnessing the diversity, dynamism, and determination of Americans first-hand.
The narrative remains consistent: the UK-US partnership is alive and thriving. I have observed British tech start-ups flourishing in San Francisco, quantum innovators at work in Chicago, and our law enforcement agencies collaborating effectively in Tampa.
This partnership yields tangible results:
- Recently, our trade agreement has facilitated access to transformative breast cancer treatments in the UK.
- Our security agencies have successfully disrupted cybercriminals behind 120 attacks, preventing $115 million in ransom payments.
- The Royal Navy has conducted a test launch of a US torpedo from an uncrewed submersible, marking a significant achievement for our AUKUS security partnership.
Additionally, I have gleaned two important life lessons: Chris Stapleton sounds even more impressive live, and, when white-water rafting, electronic devices do not survive in the Colorado River.
Addressing Doubts and Detractors
To be candid, I have encountered scepticism on both sides of the Atlantic, questioning the relevance of longstanding alliances. Observing a tumultuous world, some suggest we must choose between the USA and Europe or advocate for a more insular approach.
However, I draw a different conclusion. History teaches us that the response to change is not retreat but renewal.
To those who claim British cities are unsafe, that we are overwhelmed by migrants, or that we have forsaken freedom of speech, I must assert that you are fundamentally mistaken. I reject the distorted narratives and divisive forces that fuel such claims.
As we reflect on the spirit of 1776, it is worth noting that our two nations have had their disagreements. Consider our amusing differences in language: aluminium, football, pants.
The essence of our alliance has never been the absence of disagreement; rather, it lies in our ability to navigate these differences and emerge even stronger.
Our current endeavour is not to preserve this relationship in a state of stasis nor to rest on our laurels. We must adapt it for the future, and I am profoundly optimistic that we will achieve this.
For anyone still harbouring doubts, I invite you to settle the matter over a pint— a proper British pint— at the Embassy’s latest diplomatic asset, The Two Georges pub.
Embracing Our Strengths
Lastly, I wish for us to approach our shared future with confidence in the assets that Britain brings to the table.
The United Kingdom stands as one of the world’s foremost centres for innovation, research, and finance. With four of the world’s top ten universities, we produce a wealth of talent, patents, and pioneering ideas. We boast the third-largest tech ecosystem globally and have been recognised as the fastest-growing economy in the G7 during the first half of 2026, with further upward revisions today.
Moreover, we are underpinning our economic strength with robust military capabilities. As NATO’s third-largest defence spender, we are committing nearly $400 billion over the next four years. Notably, 15% of every F35 airframe is manufactured in the UK, a testament to our 80 years of cutting-edge intelligence cooperation aimed at safeguarding our nations.
This year, our bilateral trade reached a record $430 billion, growing at a rate of 4%. We have invested $1.7 trillion in each other’s economies, with the UK being a leading investor in 25 of your 50 states.
This is one reason I extend my thanks to our lead sponsors this evening: BP, Barclays, HSBC, London Stock Exchange Group, and Booking Holdings. I also wish to acknowledge the exceptional teams here at the British Embassy for their tireless efforts in making this event possible.
Unquestionably, our greatest asset is our people. Thus, it is an honour to welcome His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, this evening.
For 70 years, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has inspired young individuals to realise their potential. We have at least one gold award holder present tonight, Lady Turner. Today, the award operates in all 50 states, solidifying our friendship for generations to come.
Looking Forward Together
In conclusion, the question is not whether the world is changing, but how we will shape that change for those who will inherit it.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of joining members of the US Administration— including Secretary Burgum— at the Washington Monument to bury a time capsule, intended to be opened on America’s 500th birthday in 2276. This capsule contains artefacts and messages from British students inspired by President Washington, expressing their hopes for the future.
Allow me to share a message from one of these students, Maddie, aged thirteen, from Washington in Sunderland. She wrote:
“To bear a country’s name is not just pride, But quiet work when no one sees your hand. In every choice, let conscience be your guide, And serve with care the good of all the land.”
Ladies and gentlemen, Your Royal Highness, Secretary Bessent, Secretary Burgum, and friends, when the United Kingdom and the United States unite our talents, ingenuity, and ambition, the future brightens for all.
Please join me in celebrating His Majesty The King, as we look forward with confidence to the next chapter of our extraordinary partnership.
Thank you.