The King's letter: Charles thanks Nato for 75 years of protecting global security

King Charles has written a letter to Nato following its 75th anniversary, welcoming its newest members and highlighting the UK's prominent role within the organisation.

The King praised the alliance for its inclusion of Sweden and Finland as the 31st and 32nd members of the international military alliance over the past year.

"As we welcome the citizens of Sweden and Finland to the protection that Nato affords, our thoughts remain with the Ukrainian people," wrote the King.

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"In the face of an unprovoked invasion, Nato has shown steadfast support for Ukraine in its courageous battle for sovereignty," he said.

"The United Kingdom has been there from the start. Nato's headquarters may have travelled from Belgrave Square in London to the streets of Paris and now to Brussels, but its core task endures: to protect the one billion citizens of our Nato allies.

"This vital alliance continues to thrive and adapt in the face of new threats and challenges.

"Having myself been born six months before the birth of Nato, I would like to send a personal message of gratitude and congratulations to Nato on its 75th anniversary.

"This is a moment of celebration and a reminder of Nato's founding principle: for the preservation of peace and security."

The Royal Family paid tribute to the organisation’s 75th anniversary as the Nato Hymn was performed by the Welsh Guards during the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.

Created on 4 April 1949, Nato was originally founded by 12 nations, but with the addition of Sweden this year Nato now has the strength of 32 countries.

The organisation is bound together by common values of democracy, individual liberty, human rights and the rule of law.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also praised Nato on the day of its anniversary, calling it "the most successful alliance the world has ever known".

"The UK has been at the heart of Nato since the start," he said.

"Today, faced with new threats in Europe, we continue to lead through our incredible Armed Forces, our growing investment in defence and our utter determination to stand by Ukraine – which has strengthened allied unity like never before.

"I say it once again: Ukraine’s rightful place is in Nato."