King Charles turned to Sir Mark Rylance and a circle of prominent British cultural advisers as he prepared the speeches that would captivate Washington, and ultimately the world, during his state visit to the US earlier this year.
The monarch, a passionate admirer of William Shakespeare, sought guidance from the celebrated Wolf Hall star and former artistic director of Shakespeare’s Globe on the addresses he delivered in the American capital.
Sir Mark was among a broader group of “external partners” consulted by the King and his team, alongside the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office and Britain’s embassy in Washington, according to The Telegraph.
The resulting speech – rich with literary allusions and characteristic British wit – drew widespread acclaim from audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.
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The King delivered two keynote addresses during the visit: one at a White House state dinner and another before a joint session of Congress.
At the White House, he presented Donald Trump with a Royal Navy bell and noted that Washington is “home of more Shakespeare Folios than anywhere in the world.”
His congressional address, meanwhile, drew upon Oscar Wilde, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.
One line proved particularly memorable: a quip describing the intertwined history of Britain and America as what “Charles Dickens might have called ‘A Tale of Two Georges’.”
The reception was rapturous – the New York Times said the King “worked the House chamber like a stand-up comedian,” deploying his British humour “like the most genial of sceptres.”
President Trump himself even called the congressional speech “great” before admitting: “I was very jealous.”
International media coverage was remarkably positive, with both addresses earning plaudits from commentators and guests alike.
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Behind the scenes, the speechwriting operation was led by Sir Clive Alderton, the King’s private secretary and most senior Buckingham Palace aide, together with Tobyn Andreae, who serves as director of communications for the King and Queen.
Sir Christian Turner, Britain’s ambassador to the United States, also contributed.
Academics, writers and historians were additionally brought into the process, reflecting the King’s resolve to ensure the visit succeeded on every level.
The King’s friendship with Sir Mark stretches back to 1995, with the pair sharing passions ranging from Shakespeare to crop circles.
The actor has described the King as “one of the most sincere, devout lovers of Shakespeare I’ve ever met in my life.”
Since ascending the throne, His Majesty has built a reputation for accomplished addresses to foreign parliaments, frequently referencing Shakespeare and often speaking in the host nation’s language.
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