Donald Trump has praised the 'special relationship' between the US and the UK during King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit, while also making a light-hearted remark about his mother's affection for the King.
The US President spoke passionately about the bonds between the two nations as he staged a ceremonial military welcome for Charles and Camilla at the White House on Tuesday. Trump addressed guests from a podium on the South Lawn on the second day of the King's historic state visit, acknowledging recent tensions but emphasizing that 'in the centuries since we won our independence, Americans have had no closer friends than the British'.
He paid tribute to the 'essence' of the 'special relationship' that emerged after the Second World War, saying: 'That understanding of our nation's unique bond and role in history is the essence of our special relationship and we hope it will always remain that way.'
Charles' most diplomatically sensitive state visit to date comes amid criticism levelled by Trump at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over the conflict in the Middle East. Officials in Downing Street will be hoping the Royal Family's soft power diplomacy can help heal the rift.
Trump demonstrated his affection for Charles during the formal welcome, calling him a 'very elegant man' and saying it was a 'tremendous privilege to host' the royal couple. He also praised the late Queen Elizabeth II, describing her as a 'very special woman', and revealed his mother Mary had a 'crush' on Charles when he was younger.
'She really did love the family but I also remember her saying very clearly "Charles, look young Charles, he's so cute." My mother had a crush on Charles – can you believe it? Amazing how… I wonder what she's thinking right now?' Trump said.
The president and First Lady Melania Trump staged an unprecedented military ceremony for their royal guests. Charles and Camilla watched the display in Washington DC with their hosts, along with a group of invited dignitaries and hundreds of spectators.
The royal couple arrived in Washington on Monday, April 27, for the start of a four-day state visit to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Later, Charles will tell Congress that the story of the UK and US since America's independence is 'one of the greatest alliances in human history' where the two nations find ways to 'come together'.
During the welcome ceremony, the King and Queen stood on a dais with Trump and Melania as the UK and US national anthems were played by The President's Own United States Marine Band. Nearby, a 21-gun salute was fired in tribute to the royal guests by the Presidential Salute Battery.
Senior members of Trump's administration were among the guests, including vice-president JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance, secretary of state Marco Rubio, secretary of war Pete Hegseth, and Steve Witkoff, special envoy for peace missions. A large number of military units took part in the ceremonial welcome, including the United States Marine Corps Honour Guard and the United States Space Force Honour Guard, who performed in the rain that stopped before the royals arrived. Before the event began, crowds were entertained by precision marching and playing by the Drum and Bugle Corps, including the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and the US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.
