King Charles left the audience laughing as he delivered his speech to Congress today.
Her Majesty, who became the second monarch to speak on Capitol Hill this week, received 12 standing ovations.
Her Majesty began her speech with a quote from Oscar Wilde, prompting laughter from the audience.
Quoting the writer and poet, Charles said: “We have virtually everything in common with America nowadays, except the language, of course.”
Charles joked: “As you may know, when I address my Parliament at Westminster, we still follow a centuries-old tradition and take a Member of Parliament ‘hostage’, keeping him in Buckingham Palace until I return safely.
“These days, we take very good care of our ‘guests’ – to the extent that they often don’t want to leave!
“I don’t know, Mr. Chairman, were there any volunteers for that role here today?” The king quipped.
His Majesty then assured those present that his visit was not for any ulterior motive.
He said: “King George never set foot in America and, please rest assured, I am not part of any cunning rearguard action here!”
