Jeremy Clarkson has delivered his verdict on a recent speech by King Charles – while using it as an opportunity to take a swipe at UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The former Top Gear star questioned what impact speeches actually have on people in the modern world as he described His Royal Highness’s address to US Congress as the “best I’ve ever heard”.
Writing in his column for The Times, Clarkson, 66, said that the King was “faced with the unenviable task of addressing Congress at a time when the UK-US special relationship is in urgent need of some deft marriage guidance.” He then took a swift swipe at the PM adding: “It was a big ask, because much as though he might want to throw Sir Starmer under the bus, as head of state he couldn’t.”
Moving his focus back to the speech, Clarkson continued: “He [the King] really was in a tricky spot, but my God, he pulled it off with a hundredweight of panache. He had standing ovations from both the Democrats and the Republicans a tub-thumping 12 times.
“And so far as I can tell, not a single one of them realised that he was taking the mick out of them. The nuance was only noticed on this side of the Pond, which is why we loved his speech as well. It’s the best I’ve ever heard from a royal.”
The US president recently hosted King Charles and Queen Camilla as the couple spent four days in the US for a state visit to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
King Charles appeared to make a few subtle digs at the US president during his speech to Congress.
However, when later asked about King Charles’ speech to Congress, Trump said: “I thought it was fantastic.
“It was a brilliant speech, it was delivered beautifully with that beautiful accent he’s got, and there was a standing ovation from everyone. I thought it was fantastic in all respects.”
Comparing the King to Starmer, Trump added: “He is a much different person than your Prime Minister. Your Prime Minister has to learn to deal the way he deals and he’ll do a lot better.”
