President Bush occasionally showed off his Spanish, and Kennedy famously spoke German at the Berlin Wall. But King Charles? He puts them all to shame. During his recent visit to Paris, Charles delivered a flawless speech in French, a true testament to not just his linguistic skills, but his family heritage. Why? Because the English royalty, like Charles, are essentially French themselves. The Norman Conquest made sure of that, and the Spencer family, from which Princess Diana hailed, traces its roots back to French nobility as well. (I am quite, quite many times removed). So when Charles switched effortlessly between English and French, it was more than just diplomacy; it was a nod to history, to heritage, and to deep cultural ties.

In the context of modern-day America, this linguistic prowess should serve as a reminder. The U.S. has 63 million Hispanic Americans, making up 19% of the population. Yet, in political debates like the upcoming one on Tuesday, direct addresses in Spanish remain rare, despite this massive demographic presence. President Bush made an effort here and there with Spanish, but for the most part, it feels like a missed opportunity. Both Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke French, and Woodrow Wilson and Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke German. As for Asian languages, James Madison studied Hebrew, Herbert Hoover spoke some Mandarin Chinese, while Barack Obama used to speak Indonesian fluently. Candidates who truly want to resonate with the Latino community could take a cue from King Charles. A well-placed phrase or two in Spanish would be more than symbolic; it would be a meaningful gesture of inclusivity.

When Kennedy spoke German at the Wall, it was a declaration of unity during the Cold War. When Charles speaks French, it is an acknowledgment of history and alliance. If today’s U.S. politicians aim to build bridges with the Latino community, incorporating Spanish is not just a token—it’s a necessity in our increasingly diverse society. And perhaps, just like Charles in France, they’ll earn a standing ovation.

I have low expectations.