King Charles’ four-day state visit, which began on April 27, is partly focused on strengthening ties between the United States and the United Kingdom.
King Charles III remarked that Americans might “be speaking French” today if not for the United Kingdom during his address at a White House state dinner on Tuesday. The event, held on the second day of his visit with Queen Camilla to the United States, was part of efforts to mend strained transatlantic relations.
King Charles III quipped, “You recently remarked, Mr President, that without the United States, Europeans might be speaking German,” referring to Donald Trump.
“May I add that, if it weren’t for us, you might be speaking French,” he continued, before noting with a smile, “Of course, we both hold great affection for our French cousins.”
A lesson in history
The King’s remark draws on the long and complex history linking these nations. Although the United States declared independence from the United Kingdom in 1776, its success was made possible in large part by crucial military support from France. Even before the US was established, vast areas of the continent were claimed by France as “New France,” with French influence shaping several regions.
Tensions with the British Crown continued for years, eventually culminating in the War of 1812. During the conflict, British forces captured Washington, D.C. and set fire to the White House in 1814.
In his state dinner speech, King Charles III alluded to this moment, jokingly describing it as Britain’s “real estate redevelopment,” after opening with a lighthearted remark about Donald Trump’s much-talked-about White House renovations.
Charles’ “real estate” joke for Trump
King Charles III joked, “I couldn’t help noticing the ‘readjustments’ to the East Wing, Mr President, after your visit to Windsor Castle last year. I must admit, we British once made our own attempt at ‘real estate redevelopment’ of the White House in 1814.”
He went on to highlight the enduring “special relationship” between the United Kingdom and the United States, referencing events like the Boston Tea Party and the decades of evolving partnership that followed.
Earlier, while addressing a joint session of Congress, the King reflected on the origins of that relationship. He noted that the principle behind Congress – “no taxation without representation” – was both a key point of disagreement and a shared democratic value inherited from Britain. “Ours is a partnership born out of dispute,” he said.
King Charles III also highlighted Britain’s influence on American geography, remarking that the US map looks like “our Christmas card list across the ages.” He noted that the state of Virginia was named after Elizabeth I, the “Virgin Queen,” while Maryland honours Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I. The Carolinas take their name from “Carolus,” the Latin form of Charles, and Williamsburg was named after William III, while Annapolis traces its name to Queen Anne.
The state dinner featured traditional white-tie attire, a rare sight at the White House, last seen during the 2007 visit of Queen Elizabeth II.