King Charles and Donald Trump shared warm and often light-hearted toasts during an otherwise formal state dinner at the White House on Tuesday evening, as the King and Queen Camilla concluded day two of their royal visit to the US. Both remarked on their deep historical and cultural ties, with King Charles teasing Trump that he might have been 'speaking French' if it were not for Britain's historical role.
'Indeed, you recently commented, Mr President, that if it were not for the United States, European countries would be speaking German,' the King said. 'Dare I say that, if it wasn't for us, you'd be speaking French…!' He quickly added that 'of course, we both love our French cousins greatly.' The remark, delivered with a smile, drew laughter from the room and offered a brief moment of humour to the otherwise serious visit amid strained ties between the US and UK.
King Charles Gifts Trump a Bell from HMS Trump Submarine
King Charles struck a lighter note with his choice of gift for the president, presenting Donald Trump with the bell from a former British Navy submarine that turns out to have been his namesake. As the King revealed the gift – a bell from HMS Trump, a World War II-era submarine launched in 1944 – the King said: 'May it stand as a testament to our nation's shared history and shining future.' 'And should you ever need to get hold of us,' he added, 'just give us a ring.'
Trump Praises King's Speech to Congress
Trump called King Charles III's earlier speech to Congress 'fantastic' and even jokingly called the King 'cute.' Speaking at the US Congress, Charles emphasised the importance of alliances including Nato and urged continued global engagement. The King's address opened with a reference to Saturday's shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, stressing that such violence 'will never succeed.' He also honoured Queen Elizabeth II, praised Nato, underscored the enduring US–UK partnership, and reminded lawmakers that American influence carries 'weight and meaning.'
State Dinner Concludes with Ceremonial Band
The state dinner hosted by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for King Charles III and Queen Camilla drew to a close at the White House with a military band taking centre stage. The band played 'The Music of the Night' from The Phantom of the Opera for guests still seated at the tables. The evening's guest list included British royals, cabinet members, media personalities, and business leaders.
Trump Says King Agrees with Him on Iran
At the state dinner, Donald Trump brought an unexpected edge to the evening by saying the British monarch agrees with him on Iran's nuclear ambitions. Speaking to guests, Trump struck a confident tone about developments in the Middle East, claiming military success against the adversary and reiterating that the US would 'never' allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon – and pointedly suggested that King Charles shared that view. 'Charles agrees with me even more than I do,' Trump quipped. In his own comments after Trump spoke, Charles did not speak about Iran or the Iran war. As a constitutional monarch, he does not speak on behalf of the British government, and his comments remained focused on broader themes rather than geopolitics. Instead, he offered a more measured reflection on global security, acknowledging tensions within Nato, stressing the importance of continued US support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, and warning against the risks of isolationism.
New York City Police Warn of Delays Ahead of King's Visit
King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to visit New York City tomorrow — and the local police department is telling residents to expect delays in Manhattan as a result. 'Due to tomorrow's royal visit, expect delays and intermittent road closures throughout Manhattan. If you're travelling, allow for extra time and use public transportation when possible,' the New York City Police Department said on social media. There, the King is expected to attend a 9/11 memorial event with Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
