Anna Wintour Backs King Charles' Risky Speech to Congress
Anna Wintour has voiced strong support for King Charles III after he appeared to challenge President Donald Trump on key global issues during his U.S. visit.
Speaking to Newsweek on the red carpet at Christie's in New York, the Vogue editor-in-chief said it was "a hundred percent" a relief to see the king push back in his speeches-comments that come amid efforts to repair U.K.-U.S. relations.
The moment has drawn attention because Charles, during a high-stakes visit aimed at easing tensions following disagreements over Iran and broader foreign policy, risked provoking Trump by alluding to issues including NATO, Ukraine, Europe and executive power.
Wintour made the remarks while attending the Greater Together Reception in New York City, held in partnership with the King's Trust-one of the monarch's flagship charities, now marking its 50th anniversary.
Why It Matters
Charles and Queen Camilla’s state visit to American is to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, but also took place against the backdrop of escalating tensions with Britain.
Charles gave speeches to Congress and at a White House state dinner in which he highlighted NATO coming to America’s aid through the Afghanistan War after 9/11.
King Charles’ Speech and an Explosive Comment From Donald Trump
Wintour added: “I think it’s wonderful that the king and queen are visiting United States and this particular moment and obviously the speech that the king gave last night was incredible and struck all the right notes, and [I’m] just very honored to be invited tonight.”
Her words came on the same day Trump said in the Oval Office that “if that were up to him [the king], he would have probably helped us with Iran.” That in turn was a day after the president said in his own speech that “Charles agrees with me” that Iran can never be allowed to get a nuclear weapon, referencing one of America’s justifications for the current war.
Those words had the potential to be controversial because the monarch’s opinions are a closely guarded secret at the palace and an aide clarified that: "The king is naturally mindful of his government's long-standing and well-known position on the prevention of nuclear proliferation."
Praise at the King’s Trust Reception
Charles told the reception: “The greatest thing is, that I always hoped, but never quite believed would happen, having invested many of the people who’ve been successful through the trust then come back to help support other young people in the future.
“So that, for me, has been a wonderful virtuous circle. So over five decades, 1.5 million young people around the world been supported by my trust that only now quite a lot of them actually admit they’ve started, which demonstrates, I hope, time and again, with opportunity and encouragement, potential and latent talent truly knows no bounds, once you could help develop it and release it.”
Star guests included fashion designer Donatella Versace, makeup tycoon Charlotte Tilbury, recently taking on a role as a global ambassador for the trust, and the model Iman.
Singer Lionel Richie, who is a global ambassador for the trust, said in his own speech: “What an honor tonight, they actually wrote a speech for me, but I actually feel that I know this gentleman from the heart.
“Knowing that what we have between the United Kingdom and United States, we are bringing together the best of cultural experience of really knowing what it means to put your arms around kids to promote them to a better place.”
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This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 5:42 AM.