Washington

King Charles III drew laughter during a White House state dinner on Tuesday after jokingly telling Donald Trump that without British intervention in North America, Americans might be speaking French today.

The light-hearted exchange took place as both leaders reaffirmed the “special relationship” between the United Kingdom and the United States. The King’s remark appeared to respond humorously to Trump’s earlier comments about Europe and wartime history.

“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,” Charles said, prompting laughter from guests.

The comment referenced 18th-century rivalry between Britain and France for control of territories in North America. It also countered Trump’s remarks at the World Economic Forum in January, where he said Europe would be speaking German without American involvement in World War II.

Continuing in a humorous tone, Charles joked about the Burning of Washington, saying Britain had once attempted “real estate redevelopment of the White House.” He also described the evening as an improvement on the Boston Tea Party.

Trump responded with his own joke, congratulating the King on a speech to Congress and saying Charles had managed to get Democrats to stand, something he himself had never achieved.

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Marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, Charles said the two nations had gone on to build “one of the most consequential alliances in human history.” He also urged both countries to resist becoming inward-looking and to remain engaged globally.