On the second day of the historic US state visit, President Donald Trump showered King Charles with praise, revealing that his mother had a crush on the 'cute' young prince. Trump complimented the King's 'elegance' and accent, while also expressing admiration for the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family.
Warm Moments Between Leaders
Heartwarming moments of friendship unfolded as the King was greeted with a state arrival ceremony on the White House lawn. In one instance, there was a brief mix-up over who should go first when walking together. Trump tried to let Charles through, but the King insisted the US President lead the way. A quick reshuffle saw the King confidently guide the president to the correct position.
In another unscripted moment, Trump paced ahead of Charles during a walk around the lawn but gave the monarch a reassuring pat on the arm as they approached a podium. The King smoothly played off a potentially awkward bump into Trump as he and the Queen were welcomed into the White House.
Ceremonial Welcome
First Lady Melania Trump also assisted the King into position on the Truman Balcony. The ceremony followed a meeting of official delegations from both countries, including senior political figures, the King and Queen, alongside the President and First Lady. They proceeded to a dais for a 21-gun salute and national anthems performed by the US Marine Band. His Majesty and the President inspected the troops on parade, mirroring the Guard of Honour ceremony Trump received at Windsor Castle during his own state visit to the UK.
Trump's Speech and Personal Anecdotes
Earlier, Trump welcomed Charles with a warm speech, joking that his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, had a crush on 'cute' King Charles when he was a young prince. Trump noted his mother, born in Stornoway, Scotland, 'loved the Royal Family and the Queen' and would be glued to the television whenever the Queen appeared. He recalled her saying, 'Charles, look, young Charles, he is so cute.'
Trump hailed the US-UK relationship as having the 'strongest and deepest of roots,' declaring that 'Americans have had no closer friends than the British.' He paid tribute to the 'essence' of the 'special relationship' forged after World War II, calling on both nations to go forward 'together with even stronger resolve.'
Other Highlights
- Trump described the King's accent as 'very elegant' and confirmed a 'really good meeting' in the Oval Office.
- Queen Camilla and Melania Trump joined students at the White House tennis pavilion for a cross-cultural event showcasing education in tech, including virtual reality and AI-enabled glasses.
- Trump acknowledged the irony of a state visit by the British monarchy as the US celebrates 250 years of independence, but noted the deep historical ties.
The state visit continues with further engagements underscoring the enduring bond between the United States and the United Kingdom.
