The pomp and circumstance are behind us: the rare appearance before a joint session of Congress, the state dinner at the White House, the tour of the non-existent ballroom. And it is fair to say that King Charles III was a hit with the American people.

We’ve all heard and read his speech to Congress, which drew several standing ovations from Democrats and Republicans alike. And we’ve chuckled at his witty remarks to the beautifully-dressed gathering at the white tie dinner. But what stood out most glaringly to me — and to millions of others — was one delicately-worded swipe at Donald Trump’s ongoing decimation of the U.S. Constitution, in which he pointed out the shared origin of our two countries’ legal systems:

“The U.S. Supreme Court Historical Society has calculated that Magna Carta is cited in at least 160 Supreme Court cases since 1789, not least as the foundation of the principle that executive power is subject to checks and balances.”

– King Charles III, Address to the U.S. Congress, April 28, 2026

The Magna Carta was signed by King John of England in 1215 to establish that everyone — including a king — is subject to the law of the land. It also guaranteed due process, trial by a jury of peers, and other fundamental rights. It later became a principal basis for the framing of our own Constitution.

The reference could not have been clearer, and the members of Congress rose to their feet to let the world know that they understood its meaning. Now, if they will only act accordingly.

Well done you, King Charles. Well done you.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
4/30/26