King Charles hits Trump with witty reply at WH state dinner: ‘You'd be speaking French…!’

WASHINGTON, DC: King Charles shared some light moments with US President Donald Trump as he gave a speech in the East Room of the White House State Dinner on Tuesday, April 28.

The UK monarch, along with Queen Camilla, has come to the US for four days — from April 27 to April 30 — for a state visit.

King Charles says the US would be speaking French if the UK weren't there

While addressing the audience along with Trump, Charles said, “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…!” he added as the crowd erupted in laughter.

Continuing further, the King also mentioned Trump’s redevelopment of the White House East Wing. “I am sorry to say that we British, of course, made our own attempt at real estate redevelopment of the White House in 1814,” Charles stated.

Trump hails King Charles for getting 'the Democrats to stand'

Later, Trump praised Charles as he quipped, “I want to congratulate Charles on having made a fantastic speech today at Congress. He got the Democrats to stand — I've never been able to do that.”

However, apart from the jokes, the state visit has come at a time when there’s global unrest, especially because of the US-Iran war. Amid the unrest, Trump had even accused his European and Asian allies of not helping Washington in the war against Tehran.

Charles asks the US to ' ignore the clarion calls to become ever more inward-looking'

But on Tuesday, Charles focused on the positive side. He noted, “I pray with all my heart that our alliance will continue to defend our shared values with our partners in Europe and the Commonwealth and across the world, and that we ignore the clarion calls to become ever more inward-looking.”

Taking note of the US’s upcoming 250th anniversary, Charles then added, “America’s words carry weight and meaning, as they have since independence. The actions of this great nation matter even more.” 

“And so to the United States of America, on your 250th birthday, let our two countries rededicate ourselves to each other in the selfless service of our peoples and of all the peoples of the world. God bless the United States, and God bless the United Kingdom,” he concluded.

Trump boasted about the US role in World War II

Meanwhile, Charles’ comment regarding the language was in response to Trump’s January statement at the World Economic Forum.

At the event, the US commander-in-chief had referred to World War II and claimed, “We saved Greenland and successfully prevented our enemies from gaining a foothold in our hemisphere. After the war, which we won, we won it big. Without us, right now, you'd all be speaking German and a little Japanese, perhaps.”