The White House state dinner for King Charles and Queen Camilla brought together a distinguished gathering of British and American politicians, Supreme Court justices, and leading tech executives on Tuesday. The event, hosted by President Donald Trump, aimed to celebrate the enduring alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom.
Among the notable guests were Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Apple CEO Tim Cook, UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, and Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy. The dinner featured a three-course meal and a dessert made with honey from Melania Trump’s personal beehive.
In his toast, President Trump emphasised the “special relationship” between the two nations. King Charles, in turn, delivered a light-hearted speech, joking about Mr Trump’s proposed East Wing ballroom and comparing it to the British burning of the White House in 1814.
The dinner followed King Charles’ address to the US Congress, where he acknowledged the importance of US-UK ties and stressed that the two countries had always found a way to unite despite disagreements. He also highlighted the significance of American democracy and addressed victims of abuse in the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
The British monarch is in the US for a historic four-day visit, which many hope will strengthen bilateral relations. The state dinner was a key highlight of the trip, showcasing the close bonds between the two allies.
