In a display of diplomatic wit and historic light-heartedness, King Charles III humorously mocked US President Donald Trump during a state dinner at the White House on Tuesday. The British monarch suggested that if there had been no British intervention in North America, Americans might be speaking French today.
The light-hearted conversation came as both leaders reaffirmed the strength of the “special relationship” between the UK and US. The comment was a direct response to the President’s previous comments he had made about European allies and the history of global conflicts.
He said, “Mr. President, you recently commented that if America had not existed, European countries would have been speaking German. Dare I say, if we had not existed, you would have been speaking French.” As soon as King Charles said this, the guests present there laughed loudly.
King’s witty comment alluded to the colonial rivalries of the 18th century, when Britain and France vied for territorial control over the North American continent. It was also a response to Trump’s claim at the World Economic Forum in January that without American involvement in World War II, Europeans would be “speaking German and a little Japanese.”
Even those who laugh at themselves tell many jokes
Continuing his witty style, King told several self-indulgent jokes, including a historical reference to the ‘Burning of Washington’ in 1814. He commented, “We the British, of course, had our own attempt at ‘real estate redevelopment’ of the White House.”
Charles further joked that that evening’s festivities were “much better” than the “Boston Tea Party”; Here he was referring to the famous protest against British colonial taxation in 1773. Responding in his own signature style, President Trump, a known admirer of the British monarchy, humorously turned the conversation toward domestic political differences. Congratulating King on his speech to Congress, Trump said, “He forced the Democrats to stand up. I could never do that.”