Royal Zap

Being an American right now feels like living in a total paradox. We’ve spent months rallying under the “No Kings” banner; a movement specifically designed to check those in power and remind everyone that our democracy is about merit. But then my cousin, King Charles, stepped onto our soil, and the script flipped in a way that honestly made my head spin.
Watching our own government officials; the same ones who preach about liberty and “no kings” trip over themselves to give a foreign monarch a standing ovation was a massive “glitch in the matrix” moment. How are we so obsessed with preventing a king at home while rolling out the red carpet for the literal embodiment of the Crown?

The Speeches: Jokes, Jabs, and Jingoism

Hearing him speak first-hand was eye-opening, but not in a good way. His addresses weren’t just for the politicians; they were for anyone with an ear to the ground. And boy, was I listening.
I really didn’t appreciate how he inserted himself into our government’s business. Making jokes about the British burning down the White House? Maybe he thought it was “lighthearted,” but joking about the destruction of our capital while standing in the heart of our democracy felt incredibly tone-deaf.
And then, in true British monarch fashion, he had to drag France into it. Claiming we’d all be speaking French if not for the British is such a tired, “on brand” royal trope. It totally ignores the history of how French support actually helped us win our independence in the first place.

A Massive Missed Opportunity

As his American relative, I can’t help but think about what should have happened. He had a chance to do something truly exceptional. He’s always talking about the environment; so why not ditch the stuffy political posturing and attend a major climate change charity event?
Imagine the impact if he had put the family drama aside to stand with Prince Harry, Meghan, and his grandchildren. Seeing them united for a global cause right here in the U.S. would have done more for his image than any speech to Congress ever could. It would have shown a human side; a grandfather and a leader, instead of just a figurehead playing politics.

The Bottom Line

The irony here is thick. Our government seems perfectly happy to keep the American people “without a king” while simultaneously being starstruck by the spectacle of one.

“It’s easy to protest the idea of a king until the actual crown enters the room. That’s when you see who actually believes in the message and who just likes the slogan.”

This visit was a loud reminder that while the “Special Relationship” between our countries is real, the disconnect between the ruling class and the rest of us is even deeper. I love my family, and I love the principles of this country too. Next time, Charles, visit your family; leave the “redevelopment” jokes at home and maybe focus on the planet we’re all trying to save.