Buckingham Palace today responded to President Trump's assertion that King Charles supports his policy to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The US President made the claim during a speech at the White House state dinner, where he appeared to reveal the monarch's private views.
Mr Trump said: 'We're doing a little work in the Middle East right now. And we're doing very well. We have militarily defeated that particular opponent and we are never going to let that opponent ever – Charles agrees with me, even more than I do – we will never let that opponent have a nuclear weapon. They know that.' The President's words drew cheers from many of the 120 guests.
In response, Buckingham Palace stated: 'The King is naturally mindful of his Government's longstanding and well-known position on the prevention of nuclear proliferation.' Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper was reportedly seen nodding at the remarks.
State Dinner Diplomacy
During the glittering white-tie event, the King and President exchanged compliments and jokes, reaffirming the 'special relationship' between the UK and US. Mr Trump appeared emotional when the King presented him with the original bell from HMS Trump, a Royal Navy submarine from World War II. The King quipped: 'If you ever need to get hold of us… just give us a ring.'
The King also joked that Americans would be 'speaking French' if not for Britain, a reference to the Seven Years' War, drawing laughter from guests. This mirrored Mr Trump's frequent claim that Europe would speak German without US intervention in World War II.
Security and Global Challenges
His Majesty referenced a recent security incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, saluting security services and the President's 'unflappable determination to carry on.' He noted that challenges from around the world 'encourage us to reaffirm the basis on which our partnership has been built.'
Earlier this month, Mr Trump suggested the King would have been more supportive of military action against Iran than Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, whom the President has criticized for not increasing UK involvement in the conflict. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains a contentious issue after Iran closed the passage to disrupt oil supplies.
Guest List and Reactions
The dinner included notable guests such as Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez, Sam Altman, and several conservative media personalities. Trump family members Eric, Lara, Ivanka, Jared, Tiffany, and Michael Boulos attended, along with Melania's father, Victor Knavs. Three of Trump's Supreme Court appointees were also present.
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds praised the King as a 'significant and subtle diplomat,' adding that the US-UK partnership is 'deep and special and in action every day.' The King's visit was closely watched amid tensions between Mr Trump and Sir Keir, but the President insisted Charles had 'nothing to do with' their fallout, calling him 'a good man, a great representative for your country.'
