King Charles III Humorous Reply to Trump: If Not for the British, Americans Would Be Speaking French
King Charles III humorously responded to US President Trump at a White House state dinner, joking that Americans would be speaking French if it weren't for the British. Both leaders reaffirmed the "special relationship" between their countries amid a friendly atmosphere.
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- 📰 Published: April 29, 2026 at 15:06
- 🔍 Collected: April 29, 2026 at 15:31 (25 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 29, 2026 at 15:35 (3 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Washington, April 28, combined foreign reports) British King Charles III today at a White House state dinner humorously responded to US President Trump, jokingly saying that if it weren't for the British, Americans would now be speaking French.
According to AFP, the two heads of state exchanged jokes during a toast at the dinner, with Charles responding to Trump's past accusations that European allies have been freeloading on US defense since World War II.
Charles said: "Mr. President, you recently stated that without the United States, European countries might now be speaking German. I venture to say that, were it not for us, you would probably be speaking French by now."
Charles was referring to regions in North America with British and French origins, where these two former colonial powers fiercely contended for control of the North American continent until about 250 years ago when the US gained independence.
At the Davos summit in January this year, Trump had claimed that without US assistance in World War II, "you'd probably be speaking German now, and a little Japanese."
However, Charles's lighthearted joke also highlighted their mutual recognition of the "special relationship" between London and Washington, and despite existing differences over the Iran conflict, the atmosphere remained friendly.
Charles also teased Trump, saying he couldn't help but notice Trump's "renovation" of the White House East Wing.
Charles stated, "I regret to say that as early as 1814, we Britons certainly also carried out what could be called a property 'renovation' of the White House," referring to the time when British troops set fire to the White House.
Charles also quipped that this state dinner was "much better than the Boston Tea Party incident," referring to the colonial era in 1773 when Americans dumped shiploads of British taxed tea into the sea in protest.
Trump, known for his admiration of the British monarchy and with a mother from Scotland, mostly directed his jokes at domestic politicians that evening.
Trump said: "I want to congratulate Charles on a magnificent speech in Congress today, he got all the Democrats on their feet... I've never been able to do that."
Charles, in turn, offered gifts as a goodwill gesture, part of a charm offensive by the British side toward the US President after Trump's angry criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer for refusing to help against Iran.
Charles presented Trump with a ship's bell from the British submarine "HMS Trump." The original pronunciation of "Trump" (制勝) means "victorious," and this submarine was launched in 1944 during World War II.
Amidst applause from the guests, Charles loudly declared: "May this bell bear witness to the shared history and bright future of our two nations. If you ever need us, just give us a ring." (Edited by Hsu Juei-cheng) 1150429
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(Washington, April 28, combined foreign reports) British King Charles III today at a White House state dinner humorously responded to US President Trump, jokingly saying that if it weren't for the British, Americans would now be speaking French.
According to AFP, the two heads of state exchanged jokes during a toast at the dinner, with Charles responding to Trump's past accusations that European allies have been freeloading on US defense since World War II.
Charles said: "Mr. President, you recently stated that without the United States, European countries might now be speaking German. I venture to say that, were it not for us, you would probably be speaking French by now."
Charles was referring to regions in North America with British and French origins, where these two former colonial powers fiercely contended for control of the North American continent until about 250 years ago when the US gained independence.
At the Davos summit in January this year, Trump had claimed that without US assistance in World War II, "you'd probably be speaking German now, and a little Japanese."
However, Charles's lighthearted joke also highlighted their mutual recognition of the "special relationship" between London and Washington, and despite existing differences over the Iran conflict, the atmosphere remained friendly.
Charles also teased Trump, saying he couldn't help but notice Trump's "renovation" of the White House East Wing.
Charles stated, "I regret to say that as early as 1814, we Britons certainly also carried out what could be called a property 'renovation' of the White House," referring to the time when British troops set fire to the White House.
Charles also quipped that this state dinner was "much better than the Boston Tea Party incident," referring to the colonial era in 1773 when Americans dumped shiploads of British taxed tea into the sea in protest.
Trump, known for his admiration of the British monarchy and with a mother from Scotland, mostly directed his jokes at domestic politicians that evening.
Trump said: "I want to congratulate Charles on a magnificent speech in Congress today, he got all the Democrats on their feet... I've never been able to do that."
Charles, in turn, offered gifts as a goodwill gesture, part of a charm offensive by the British side toward the US President after Trump's angry criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer for refusing to help against Iran.
Charles presented Trump with a ship's bell from the British submarine "HMS Trump." The original pronunciation of "Trump" (制勝) means "victorious," and this submarine was launched in 1944 during World War II.
Amidst applause from the guests, Charles loudly declared: "May this bell bear witness to the shared history and bright future of our two nations. If you ever need us, just give us a ring." (Edited by Hsu Juei-cheng) 1150429
Stand with the facts, every sponsorship from you is the power to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or used without authorization.