King Charles, Putin and Pope Leo XIV send congratulations as US marks 250th independence anniversary
Messages from London, Moscow and the Vatican underscored shared history and called for cooperation as the United States celebrated the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence on 4 July 2026.
Royal tribute and a congressional address
King Charles III sent a message to President Donald Trump and the American people, calling the anniversary "a truly historic milestone and an occasion for Americans everywhere to celebrate." The Buckingham Palace released a video showing the King and Queen Camilla with citizens, as well as with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, alongside footage of Charles's speech to the US Congress earlier in the year. That address made him only the second reigning British monarch to speak before Congress, after Queen Elizabeth II in May 1991. In the speech, Charles touched on the war in Ukraine and environmental protection, telling lawmakers they were meeting "in a time of great uncertainty."
This year marks a truly historic milestone and is an occasion for Americans everywhere to celebrate.
Putin's personal telegram
Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed Trump directly in a congratulatory telegram published by the Russian foreign ministry. Opening with "Dear Mr. President, dear Donald," Putin described the Declaration of Independence as a milestone in world history and noted that Russia, then under the tsars, had supported the American colonists. He recalled "numerous glorious chapters" in bilateral relations, writing that the two countries "were allies in two world wars, together liberated humanity from the horrors of National Socialism and subsequently played an important role in creating the foundations of the modern world order." Putin stressed that as nuclear powers, Russia and the US bear special responsibility for global security and stability. He closed with a handshake emoji and wishes for health, success and prosperity.
We were allies in two world wars, together liberated humanity from the horrors of National Socialism and subsequently played an important role in creating the foundations of the modern world order.
A papal call for unity
Pope Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago, issued an open letter addressed to all Americans rather than to any state institution. He called the anniversary a decisive moment in history and urged the United States to work with other nations. "No one can shoulder the weight of the challenges facing the world alone. We need each other and must work together in harmony," the Pope wrote. As a "son of this great country," he prayed that the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence would continue to guide the US "in unity, justice and peace."
No one can shoulder the weight of the challenges facing the world alone. We need each other and must work together in harmony.
Other messages
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had already conveyed his congratulations in a phone call with Trump on Friday, 3 July, emphasising the special bond between Germany and the United States.
