Key Facts
- King Charles III joked during a White House state dinner on April 28, 2026 that without the British, Americans would be speaking French, referencing comments by Mr. Trump about European defense.
- King Charles quipped, "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 III delivered a light-hearted history lesson at the White House dinner, roasting US President Donald Trump by suggesting that Americans might be speaking French without British intervention.
- During the dinner, King Charles remarked, “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,” drawing laughter from the audience.
- Trump humorously congratulated the King on his earlier address to Congress, saying, “He got the Democrats to stand – I’ve never been able to do that.”
- The British King marked the 250th anniversary of American independence from Britain, emphasizing the importance of the Anglo-American alliance and urging against inward-looking tendencies.