Washington, DC [US], April 29 (HBTV): King Charles III on Tuesday used humour and historical references to engage with US President Donald Trump during a White House state dinner, remarking that Americans might have been speaking French if not for British intervention in North America.
The exchange took place as both leaders reaffirmed the strength of the UK–US ‘special relationship’, with the King responding to earlier remarks by Trump on global conflicts and alliances.
'You recently commented, Mr President, that if it were not for the United States, European countries would be speaking German. Dare I say that if it wasn't for us, you'd be speaking French,' King Charles said, drawing laughter from attendees.
The remark referenced 18th-century colonial rivalries between Britain and France over North America, while also countering Trump’s earlier assertion at the World Economic Forum in January that without US involvement in World War II, Europeans would be ‘speaking German and a little Japanese’.
Continuing in a light tone, the King made self-deprecating remarks, including a reference to the Burning of Washington. 'We British, of course, made our own attempt at real estate redevelopment of the White House,' he said.
He also alluded to the Boston Tea Party, describing the evening as ‘a very considerable improvement’ on the historic protest against British taxation.
Responding in a similarly humorous tone, Trump referred to domestic political dynamics, saying, 'He got the Democrats to stand — I've never been able to do that,' while congratulating the King on his address to Congress.
Marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, King Charles highlighted the evolution of ties between the two nations, describing them as ‘one of the most consequential alliances in human history’.
During his earlier address to a joint session of the US Congress, the King underscored the deep-rooted cultural and historical connections between the two countries and urged continued global engagement, stating that both nations must avoid becoming inward-looking.
(ANI)