The subtle messages hidden in the King's speeches

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. The diplomacy at play behind the King's speeches 16 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Noor Nanji Royal correspondent Getty Images King Charles III's address to Congress was always going to involve walking a diplomatic tightrope. But he managed to give a speech that made a number of important political points - all delivered in a gentle, Kingly way. There were references to Nato and Ukraine, a reminder of the importance of Western democracy, and a subtle message about climate change - something US President Donald Trump has previously called a "hoax".

His words prompted no fewer than 12 standing ovations, suggesting his points landed with his audience. And the reaction from across the world has been overwhelmingly positive too. The New York Times comments on his "subtle rebuttals" to Trump, while Le Monde said it took a King from the UK to remind US politicians of "the habit of sophisticated speeches".

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Royal meaning must often be decoded, and the King will have wanted to avoid offending his host. Notwithstanding, this was a monarch standing his ground on the issues that matter the most to him. So how did the King navigate the delicate balance of making a point while staying cordial?

Getty Images The King's words prompted no fewer than 12 standing ovations, suggesting his points landed with his audience Support for Nato The King's speech defended Nato, at a time when Trump has been openly criticising members of the military alliance for their reluctance to play a greater role in the war in Iran. Citing former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, the monarch spoke of an Atlantic "partnership", which he said was "based on twin pillars: Europe and America". He also referred to the immediate aftermath of the attacks of September 11, 2001, when Nato allies mobilised in defence of the US.

"In the face of terror, we answered the call together," he said. Here, the King's message was both robust and at the same time, a subtle reminder to the US president of the merits of the alliance. Last month, Trump said he had always considered the 32-member Nato defence alliance to be a "one-way street", writing: "We will protect them, but they will do nothing for us.

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" The King later reiterated his support of Nato during his toast at the state dinner. It's clearly a message Downing Street will hope sticks in the president's head. What is Nato and which countries are in it?

The King's pride in the Navy - and a choice gift Trump has in the past criticised British naval capacity, calling its ships "toys" and saying UK aircraft carriers "didn't work". This viewpoint, too, was carefully challenged by the King, who said he himself had served with "immense pride" in the Royal Navy, following in "the naval footsteps" of his father, the late Duke of Edinburgh.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.