David Beckham hails King Charles's 'great leadership' and 'remarkable elegance'

Svar Nanan-Sen
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:00:41 +0000

Sir David Beckham has lauded King Charles's address to the US Congress, calling it "powerful and profound" in an Instagram post.

The former England captain commended the speech for "delivering such an important message to the world with remarkable elegance and humour."

Beckham, who has developed a close relationship with the sovereign, wrote that King Charles was "following in his mother's footsteps, showing great leadership."

The tribute came after the King received widespread acclaim for his diplomatic addresses during the American visit.

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During his historic appearance on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, the King addressed the diplomatically delicate matter of tensions between Britain and America, while emphasising the significance of NATO and the need to stand with Ukraine.

Politicians responded enthusiastically to the monarch's remarks, rising for multiple standing ovations throughout the address.

King Charles declared that the transatlantic partnership was "more important today than it has ever been."

Later that evening, the King delivered a more intimate toast at a White House state dinner, urging President Donald Trump to "renew" the friendship between the two nations at this "critical time."

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A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham)

The monarch deployed wit throughout his addresses in an effort to win over the American president, quipping that without British involvement, Americans might today be conversing in French.

King Charles also made playful references to Mr Trump's ambitious lunar aspirations and the infamous Boston Tea Party incident.

With the 250th anniversary of American independence approaching, the King sought to reassure his audience, telling politicians he was "not here as part of some cunning rearguard action."

The combination of diplomatic substance and lighthearted moments appeared to resonate with those present, contributing to the warm reception the monarch received throughout his Washington engagements.

The King's speeches during state visits are crafted with Government guidance and assistance.

Senior royal staff played key roles in preparing the addresses, including the monarch's principal private secretary Sir Clive Alderton, deputy private secretary Theo Rycroft who led the visit's planning, and communications director Tobyn Andreae.

Sir Christian Turner, who succeeded Lord Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to the United States, was also involved in the preparations.

The diplomat made headlines on Tuesday after it emerged he had previously characterised Sir Keir Starmer as being "on the ropes" and suggested that America's sole "special relationship" was with Israel rather than the UK.