1 hour ago

Sean Coughlan Royal correspondent, Washington DC

PA Media

The King has drawn applause from many quarters for his speech at Congress

King Charles must be pinching himself at the moment. After months and months of terrible headlines, he's suddenly surrounded by applause.

Over the past couple of days, in his speeches on his US state visit, he's teased President Trump, stood up to him, charmed him and even though it was hidden in a velvet glove, landed a couple of decent digs.

And many commentators, even critics of the monarchy, seem delighted at the spectacle. It was the underdog winning the cup against all expectations.

Alastair Campbell, a longstanding republican, posted: "Excellent speech by King Charles...…