Trump Jokes About 'Cute' King Charles III While Welcoming UK Royal Couple To White House

Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla were greeted by President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump at the White House on Tuesday.

The royal couple are on a four-day state visit to the US which is aimed to strengthen bilateral ties. According to Reuters, cannons boomed, temporarily covering much of the scene with smoke, as the US national anthem played as the couple were greeted.

According to the White House, the two couples paused on the balcony of the South Portico to watch a “Pass in Review” of nearly 500 members from all six military branches in attendance — an historic first.

“What a beautiful British day this is,” Trump told the gathering.

First Lady Melania Trump & Queen Camilla Join Students in Exploring US-UK History Through Innovation

https://t.co/en6woCjapv

— First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) April 28, 2026

The President also reiterated his respect for the royal family while invoking memories of his mother, Mary McLeod, as he joked about a “cute” King Charles III.

“She loved the royal family and she loved the queen,” the president said of his Scottish-born mother in remarks welcoming his guests at the White House.

“Today we look back on 250 years. Let us remember what has made our countries the two most exceptional nations the world has ever known.” – President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/inYOWzmCYA

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 28, 2026

CNN quoted Trump telling King Charles III that his mother would be “glued to the television” any time Queen Elizabeth II participated in her ceremonial duties. “She’d say, ‘Look, Donald, how beautiful that is.’ She really did love that family,” he said. “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?”

Later, King Charles and the US president are scheduled to have a private bilateral meeting in the Oval Office. Meanwhile, Queen Camilla and the first lady will attend the White House Tennis Pavilion for an educational event where students will use VR headsets and AI-enabled glasses to learn about the history of the two countries.