King Charles took on the role of comedian last night at a State Dinner with Donald Trump, the First Lady, and Queen Camilla. The monarch gave Trump a taste of his own medicine by taking a jab at the President’s former remarks about the United States saving Europe from the Nazis.
Speaking French Gag
'You recently commented, Mr President, that if it were not for the United States, European countries would be speaking German,' he said. 'Dare I say that, if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French.'
Ballroom and White House Jokes
King Charles also took aim at Trump’s planned $400,000,000 ballroom, which the President claims is needed for 'national security.' The Trump administration tore down the historic East Wing last autumn to make way for the new build. Charles joked: 'I couldn’t help but notice the readjustments to the East Wing. I am sorry to say that we British, of course, made our own attempt at real estate redevelopment of the White House in 1814.' He was referencing the burning of the White House and the US Capitol by British forces in that year.
He also went on to joke about how the lavish State Dinner was a 'considerable improvement' from the Boston Tea Party, when US revolutionaries dumped British tea into Boston Harbour.
Gift of HMS Trump Bell
King Charles paid tribute to America's 'special relationship' with the UK by giving Trump the bell from the HMS Trump, a WWII submarine that served in the Pacific. 'I’m delighted to present to you the original bell which hung on the conning tower of your valiant namesake. May it stand as a testimony to our nation’s shared history and shining future,' the King said. 'Should you ever need to get hold of us, just give us a ring,' he added, as the crowd laughed.
Handshake Battle
Earlier, King Charles and Trump appeared to 'outdo' each other during a handshake battle kicking off the official trip. Both men, in their 70s, would not budge during their first greeting on the steps of the White House. Footage shows an awkwardly long handshake lasting around 10 seconds, with the King putting up a fight against Trump’s initial pull. However, Charles, who is two years Trump’s junior, seemed to hold his ground.
Tense Context
The US state visit comes at a tense time due to the protracted war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been drummed up by Trump’s outbursts like mocking of the Navy and Sir Keir Starmer. To minimise the risk of any clash, British officials are thought to have been pushing for the King and Trump to meet away from cameras in the Oval Office later today.
