Donald Trump revealed he was “jealous” of King Charles III following the monarch’s resounding Congress address on Tuesday.
His Majesty received a rapturous reception on Capitol Hill yesterday, earning twelve standing ovations during his historic speech to both chambers of Congress.
The 77-year-old monarch’s speech ran to half an hour, exceeding its planned 20-minute duration due to spontaneous applause, laughter and cheers from the assembled 535 lawmakers.
And President Trump was left more than impressed by the performance.
Greeting the King in front of the White House ahead of the State Dinner later in the afternoon, the 79-year-old President pointed at the King and declared: “He made a great speech… I was very jealous.”
The First Lady Melania stood grinning beside her husband as he made the quip to assembled photographers.
King Charles became only the second reigning British monarch to address Congress, following his late mother Queen Elizabeth II’s speech in 1991.
The King deployed his characteristic wit throughout the address, opening with a quotation from Oscar Wilde that drew immediate laughter from the chamber.
Donald Trump revealed he was ‘jealous’ of King Charles III following the monarch’s resounding Congress address on Tuesday
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GETTY
The President made the remarks when greeting the King in front of the White House ahead of the State Dinner
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GETTY
“We have really everything in common with America nowadays except, of course, language,” he quipped to the assembled senators and representatives.
The sovereign then playfully referenced the Westminster tradition of holding an MP “hostage” at Buckingham Palace during the State Opening of Parliament, enquiring whether any volunteers might wish to take on the role.
The monarch also addressed his ancestor, King George III, who reigned when America declared independence.
“King George never set foot in America and, please rest assured, I am not here as part of some cunning rearguard action!” he joked.
King Charles became only the second reigning British monarch to address Congress, following his late mother Queen Elizabeth II’s speech in 1991
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REUTERS
Describing the Founding Fathers as “bold and imaginative rebels with a cause,” King Charles noted that independence was declared “250 years ago, or, as we say in the United Kingdom, just the other day.”
Beyond the humour, the King’s address carried weightier themes that resonated powerfully in the current political climate.
He highlighted the Magna Carta’s enduring influence on American jurisprudence, noting that the US Supreme Court has cited the medieval charter in at least 160 cases “as the foundation of the principle that executive power is subject to checks and balances.”
This passage reportedly drew thunderous applause from Democratic lawmakers, with footage showing House Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other party leaders rising to their feet with broad smiles.
The monarch also declared that “America’s words carry weight and meaning,” a remark that appeared pointed given President Trump’s public barrage of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The state dinner that followed brought together an impressive array of superstars in the White House East Room.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos attended alongside his wife Lauren Sanchez, while outgoing Apple chief executive Tim Cook and golfer Rory McIlroy were also among the distinguished guests.
Entrepreneurs, executives, politicians and sporting figures gathered for the glittering occasion marking the conclusion of the visit’s second day.
Both couples arrived in formal attire, with the King and President wearing black tie tails.
Queen Camilla and the First Lady both chose pink gowns, though the Queen opted for a powerful and striking shade, in comparison to Mrs Trump’s pastel choice.