Global

 This Monday Commentary was prepared by Dr Dennis Sammut, Director of LINKS Europe, and Managing Editor of commonspace.eu The visit of King Charles III to the USA last week was a huge success. It greatly contributed to the image of Brtain, and the monarchy, but it also contributed to improving the image of the Uniited States in the world, at a time when its global position is at a long time low. In his speeches, at a joint session of Congress, and at the State Dinner in the White House the King was measured and forcefull. He said everything that needed to be said, but without causing offence, In fact in Congress he was given twelve standing ovations. In a country that seems to agree on almost nothing, the King received a warm reception from both sides of the political divide where neutral ground is rare. The King visited the US at a time when UK-US relations were seen as being in crisis, and with an unpredictable president in the White House, known to ambush his guests. A commentator in the conservative Washington Examiner wrote that the UK needed more than conventional diplomacy - and that King Charles delivered. As the BBC noted, ” for months, Donald Trump - a committed Anglophile and avid fan of the Royals - repeatedly told reporters that he was excited for the King's visit. That excitement was on full display throughout the King's visit to Washington, in which the world saw a warmer version of a president not shy to make his feelings known. Uncharacteristically, Trump largely stuck to a script, making no mention of policy disagreements with Downing Street and lauding the long ties between the US and Britain.”  Trump, following the King’s speech to Congress remarked: "He got the Democrats to stand, I've never been able to do that. I couldn't believe it. They liked him more than they've ever liked any Republican or Democrat, actually." Britain has a political system that often appears to be broken, an economy that often appears to be tired, and a young generation that often appears to be confused. Yet there is a parrallel British system, with the monarchy at its head, that remains robust and ambitious, and that can deliver when necessary. Some call it a deep state. In fact it is much more subtle, and wider, and can rise to the occasion. The visit of Charles III to the US last week proved that. All the jeremiahs, particularly in the mainstream British media, who have been singing the futility of the monarchy, and hearalded its demise, have had to eat humble pie last week as Kiing Charles manoevered around the many obstacles of his trip to the US. King Charles showed he has personality, acumen and personal charm, and did the British people proud. (click image to read the full Monday Commentary)