HALIFAX—King Charles was a hit at the box office after his speech to the United States Congress last week. He was afforded the reception of a political rockstar. The question is why?

As U.S. President Donald Trump himself noted, the British monarch did something he himself hadn’t managed to do: get a standing ovation from Democrats. In fact, Charles got 10 standing ovations, including from the Republicans in attendance. 

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So, why did a country that expressly and even proudly rejected the monarchy in favour of a constitutional democracy swoon over the King’s speech?

Part of the reason is obvious. Although Americans rejected the British monarchy centuries ago, there is still an abiding affection for Britain and the Royal Family. The shared cultural traditions and values run deep. As Irish poet Oscar Wilde once observed with his characteristic biting wit: “We have really everything in common with America nowadays, except, of course, language.” It was not accidental that King Charles quoted Wilde in his speech.

Another reason Americans like the Royal Family is the quality of royals they have met during their visits to the U.S. Queen Elizabeth won Americans’ hearts when she visited in 1991 and spoke to Congress. As the first British monarch to address a joint session of Congress, she also received a standing ovation. 

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