Trump says King agrees with him on Iran as British monarch stays silent
At a glittering state dinner at the White House, Donald Trump brought an unexpected edge to the evening, by saying the British monarch agrees with him on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Speaking to guests, Trump struck a confident tone about developments in the Middle East.
“We’re doing a little Middle East work right now and we’re doing very well,” he said.
He went on to claim military success against the adversary, adding that the US would “never” allow that opponent to obtain a nuclear weapon – and pointedly suggested that King Charles shared that view.
“Charles agrees with me even more than I do,” Trump quipped, before reiterating that Iran would not be allowed to develop nuclear arms.
In his own comments after Trump spoke, Charles did not speak about Iran or the Iran war.
As a constitutional monarch, he does not speak on behalf of the British government, and his comments remained focused on broader themes rather than geopolitics.
Instead, he offered a more measured reflection on global security, acknowledging tensions within Nato, stressing the importance of continued US support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, and warning against the risks of isolationism.
Despite the diplomatic tightrope on display, there is a longstanding alignment between the UK and the US on one key point: both countries maintain that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.
Shweta Sharma29 April 2026 04:27
ICYMI: Trump cracks awkward marriage joke to Melania with King Charles watching after Jimmy Kimmel ‘widow’ uproar
Andrew Feinberg29 April 2026 04:20
How King and Queen’s second day in the US unfolded
The second day of King Charles’ four-day US visit is coming to an end. The British monarch’s day was busy as it began with a meeting with Donald Trump and was followed by his historic address to Congress, concluding with a state dinner at the White House.Here’s how the second day of the visit unfolded:
Trump hosted King Charles at the White House with a speech celebrating the evolution of US-UK ties. In his South Lawn remarks, he paid tribute to his late parents – noting his mother’s British roots – and reiterated his admiration for the royal family, even jokingly calling the King “cute.” King Charles delivered a speech to a joint meeting of Congress, opening with a reference to Saturday’s shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, stressing that such violence “will never succeed.” He also honoured Queen Elizabeth II, praised Nato, underscored the enduring US–UK partnership, and reminded lawmakers that American influence carries “weight and meaning.” The White House on social media shared a photo of Trump and Charles with the caption “TWO KINGS.” Trump and his allies have repeatedly objected to the “No Kings” protests against his administration, saying that he is not a king, and this week have accused critics of the president of fanning flames of anger that have led to attempts on his life. The evening’s state dinner drew a wide-ranging guest list – from British royals and cabinet members to media personalities and business leaders. In his toast, Trump highlighted the “special relationship” between the two countries. Charles, in turn, added humour with a quip about Trump’s proposed East Wing ballroom, and presented him with a bell from a former British Navy submarine – a symbolic nod to military cooperation.
Shweta Sharma29 April 2026 04:09
New York City police warn of delays ahead of King Charles’ visit
King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to visit New York City tomorrow — and the local police department is telling residents to expect delays in Manhattan as a result.
“Due to tomorrow’s royal visit, expect delays and intermittent road closures throughout Manhattan. If you’re travelling, allow for extra time and use public transportation when possible,” the New York City Police Department said on social media.
Katie Hawkinson29 April 2026 04:00
In pictures: President Donald Trump and King Charles raise a toast at White House state dinner
King Charles and President Donald Trump raise a toast at the White House state dinner Tuesday evening (REUTERS)
The president and first lady Melania Trump raise their glasses during the White House state dinner (REUTERS)
Both Trump and Charles spoke at the event (Getty Images)
Katie Hawkinson29 April 2026 03:27
Social media reacts to King Charles’ jokes
King Charles’ joke about President Donald Trump’s White House renovations has made the rounds on social media.
“Today is the day I realized King Charles was hilarious,” political strategist Josh Holmes wrote on X.
NBC News’ senior White House correspondent Garrett Haake posted: “The King’s got jokes!”
During his remarks at tonight’s state dinner, Charles joked about Trump’s demolition of the White House’s East Wing to make room for his new ballroom.
“On this occasion, I cannot help noticing the readjustments to the East Wing, Mr. President, following your visit to Windsor Castle last year. And I’m sorry to say that we British, of course, made our own small attempt at real estate redevelopment of the White House in 1814 anyway,” he said as the audience laughed.
British forces burned the White House and several other government buildings in August 1814, during the War of 1812.
King Charles jokes about Trump’s ballroom project during state dinner
Katie Hawkinson29 April 2026 03:07
King Charles gives Trump a shiny gift as they share jokes and bond over ‘special relationship’ at White House state dinner
President Donald Trump is well-known fan of gold — but he might find an old hunk of brass he received from King Charles III on Tuesday to be just as precious as that precious metal.
Andrew Feinberg29 April 2026 02:54
Watch: Donald Trump receives gift from King CharlesKing Charles presented President Donald Trump with a bell from the HMS Trump
Katie Hawkinson29 April 2026 02:39
King Charles concludes remarks with joke about Boston Tea Party
King Charles earned a laugh from the audience as he concluded his remarks with a joke about the Boston Tea Party.
“Thank you, Mr. President and Mrs. Trump, for your splendid dinner this evening, which, may I say, is a very considerable improvement on the Boston Tea Party,” he said.
“Whether your cup contains tea, wine, scotch whiskey, bourbon or even Cola, let us raise our glasses and voices as we toast the past, the present and the future of our two proud and allied nations. To the United States and the United Kingdom. God bless both our countries,” he continued.
Katie Hawkinson29 April 2026 02:26
King Charles presents gift to Donald Trump
King Charles gifted President Donald Trump with a bell from the HMS Trump, a submarine that was launched from a U.K. shipyard in 1944 during World War II.
“May it stand as a testimony to our nation’s shared history and shining future — and should you ever need to get hold of us, just give us a ring,” Charles said as the audience laughed.
King Charles gifted President Donald Trump a bell from the HMS Trump (AFP via Getty Images)
Katie Hawkinson29 April 2026 02:21