Britain’s King Charles III drew laughs during his opening remarks at Tuesday night’s state dinner at the White House by referring to a less auspicious time in U.S.-U.K. relations.
He drew laughter from his set-up line, saying he “cannot help noticing” the East Wing, which is in the midst of Mr. Trump’s plans to construct a massive ballroom.
“I’m sorry to say that we British, of course, made our own small attempt at real estate development of the White House in 1814,” Charles said, referring to when British troops set fire to the White House while marching through the conquered capital during the War of 1812.
It was one of many light-hearted moments in the toasts and opening remarks for the dinner to honor Charles and Queen Camilla of Britain.
Fox News hosts dominated the guest list, with Bret Baier and his wife Amy, Ainsley Earhardt, Greg Gutfeld, Laura Ingraham, Maria Bartiromo and Jesse Watters all in attendance for the swanky soiree.
Other notable guests from the world of sports and business included Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren; CEO of Paramount Skydance David Ellison; Apple CEO Tim Cook; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft; Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy; and golfer Rory McIlroy.
From the judiciary, the conservative members of the Supreme Court were on the guest list. Chief Justice John Roberts attended along with associate justices Amy Coney Barrett, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh.
Among administration officials, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick were just some of the notable invites.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife, Kelly, also attended.
Charles began his remarks and toasts by offering condolences to Mr. Trump, first lady Melania Trump and others who attended Saturday’s White House Correspondents Association Dinner, which was interrupted by a failed assassination attempt. The king also praised the U.S. security services.
He also gave Mr. Trump a highly symbolic gift, representing the history of U.S.-British military cooperation — the bell from a former Royal Navy submarine.
For his part, Mr. Trump also praised the history of the longstanding alliance and military cooperation between the two countries.
“May our two countries stand together forever for liberty, for justice, and for the glory of God,” Mr. Trump said as he raised his glass and toasted “250 years of American freedom” and Charles himself.
The first course menu included garden vegetable veloute, hearts of palm, toasted shallots and micro mint.
That was followed by a second course of spring-herbed ravioli, ricotta cheese, morels, and Parmesan emulsion.
A third course included dover sole meuniere, potato pave, spring ramps, and snow peas
Dessert was White House honey and vanilla bean cremeux, flourless chocolate gateau, almond joconde sponge, and creme fraiche ice cream.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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