King Charles III made a surprise nod to Prince William and Prince George during his State Dinner speech.
His Majesty delivered a memorable 13-minute address, bringing both humour and a level of poignancy to the second day of his landmark American visit alongside Queen Camilla.
The monarch drew roaring laughter from the assembled dignitaries when he offered a witty riposte to President Trump’s previous remarks about America saving Europe from speaking German.
“Dare I say that, if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French!” the King quipped, prompting considerable amusement among guests.
His speech celebrated the enduring special relationship between Britain and America, touching upon the 1776 independence, the Boston Tea Party, and visits by previous leaders including his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The King then charmed his audience by noting how British royal heritage remains etched across the American landscape, describing the nation’s maps as resembling “our Christmas card list across the ages.”
He cited examples, adding a mention to both his son and grandson: “North and South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and the cities of Charleston – a particular favourite of mine, obviously – Georgetown – and, for that matter, Georgia – Annapolis, Prince William County and Williamsburg.”
His Majesty also used the opportunity to pay tribute to what he described as President Donald Trump’s “courage and steadfastness” after he survived an assassination attempt over the weekend.
King Charles III made a surprise nod to Prince William and Prince George yesterday during his State Dinner speech
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REUTERS/PA
He added that the American character had long been defined by “courage, tenacity and the spirit of adventure”, adding that across generations the two nations had “traded, innovated and created together” and “stood together in the best of times and worst of times”.
He then presented President Trump with the original bell from the conning tower of HMS Trump, a Royal Navy submarine that saw service in the Pacific during World War Two.
The Palace described the gift as a symbol of “shared history and a shining future”, echoing the Queen’s bicentennial gift of the Liberty Bell during her 1976 visit to the United States.
The evening marked a return to the rare white tie dress code at the White House, a formality not witnessed since Queen Elizabeth II’s visit in 2007.
His Majesty also used the opportunity to pay tribute to what he described as President Donald Trump’s courage and steadfastness after he survived an assassination attempt over the weekend
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PA
Distinguished guests filled the state dining room, with golfer Rory McIlroy and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos among those who responded with hearty laughter to the King’s French quip.
The occasion underscored the ceremonial weight attached to this royal visit, with the formal attire requirements reflecting the historic significance of the evening.
Both British and American dignitaries embraced the traditional dress code, lending the proceedings an air of timeless elegance befitting such a momentous diplomatic gathering.
Queen Camilla chose a long-sleeved pink evening gown by Fiona Clare, complemented by a striking amethyst and diamond necklace with remarkable provenance – originally a gift from a former Duchess of Kent to Queen Victoria, later inherited by Queen Mary.
First Lady Melania Trump opted for a pale pink Dior Haute Couture creation featuring a gathered waist and asymmetric single-shoulder design, accessorised with off-white opera gloves and silver earrings.
President Trump appeared in the traditional black tailcoat with white waistcoat and bow tie.
King Charles matched the formal standard, his tailcoat accompanied by a blue sash with his military medals adorned.