King Charles III of the United Kingdom concluded a state visit to Washington that helped ease tensions between the British government and the administration of Donald Trump, although he did not avoid addressing contentious issues through veiled barbs, some disguised with unmistakable British humor.

The monarch starred in the main events of the agenda on Tuesday alongside Queen Camilla: a ceremony at the White House, a speech before Congress, and a state dinner at the presidential residence.

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The dinner, held in the East Room of the White House with a menu of French cuisine and American wines, was the setting where Charles III delivered jokes that Trump took in stride.

During his speech, the monarch recalled Trump’s statement about the United States’ entry into World War II: “If it weren’t for the Americans, all of Europe would be speaking German today.”

Amidst laughter from the guests, Charles responded, “I dare say, were it not for us, you would be speaking French,” alluding to the historical rivalry between the British and French for the colonization of North America before American independence 250 years ago.

The King continued with historical references, mentioning the “readjustments” in the East Wing, demolished by Trump to build a ballroom.

“I regret to say that we British made our own attempt at remodeling the White House in 1814,” he stated, alluding to the burning of the building by British troops during the War of 1814.

Earlier, the monarch delivered a speech to Parliament, the second by a British sovereign after that of Elizabeth II in 1991. In a context marked by Trump’s criticism of Keir Starmer’s Labour government and NATO allies for their stance on the conflict with Iran, Charles III delivered a message of reconciliation.

Looking after Vice President JD Vance, he urged ignoring “calls for isolationism” and defended the Atlantic Alliance: “The allies are committed to common defense,” he reminded them, highlighting that the first activation of Article 5 was to support the United States after the attacks of September 11, 2001.

On international security, the King urged the United States to maintain “unwavering resolve” in its support for Ukraine, at a time when the conflict has lost its centrality on the global agenda.

Meanwhile, after years of climate activism, Charles III issued a veiled message against environmental denialism: “We ignore, at our own peril, the fact that natural systems are the foundation of our prosperity and our national security.”

For his part, Trump, an avowed admirer of the British monarchy, praised the monarch’s performance. “He got the Democrats to stand up. I’ve never been able to do that, I couldn’t believe it,” he remarked during dinner, after praising the bipartisan ovation Charles III received at the Capitol.

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