King Charles III’s charm and eloquence during his recent visit seemed to mend the frayed seams of the American body politic — at least for one day.

During his address to a joint meeting of Congress on Tuesday, the monarch brought politicians from all corners to their feet in spirited applause, often in response to the same words. Perfectly timed for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the message from Charles (may I call you Charles?) to the people’s representatives was less revolutionary than ordinary — the basic stuff of free people living in a democratic republic. You’d almost have thought the chamber was filled not with sworn enemies but with well-bred courtiers eager to please their king.

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