Lavish celebration led by First Lady highlights enduring U.S.–UK ties as leaders exchange praise, discuss global issues, and mark America’s 250th anniversary
WASHINGTON—First Lady Melania Trump organized a lavish state dinner alongside President Donald Trump in honor of King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Queen Camilla at the White House on Tuesday evening.
The event celebrated the longstanding relationship between the two nations as the United States marks its 250th anniversary.
“The Declaration of Independence was a miracle for the ages that sparked a far-reaching revolution in self-government and human freedom,” Trump said. “But even though the political bonds between the United States and Great Britain were dissolved forever, they thought, on July 4th, 1776, the more powerful strands of memory, culture, and identity proved unbreakable in any conflict and grew into a friendship unlike any other on Earth.
“It’s only natural that Americans begin this commemoration by paying tribute to the transcendent bond we share with the nation that Thomas Jefferson himself called our mother country.”
Trump congratulated the king on his recent address to Congress, noting bipartisan applause.
“I’ve never been able to do that. I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “They liked him more than they’ve ever liked any Republican or Democrat, actually.”
King Charles expressed gratitude for the invitation and hospitality.
“My wife and I are most grateful to you for your generous hospitality as the United States celebrates this special anniversary year of the Declaration of Independence,” he said, also referencing a recent incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. “And may I also just start by paying tribute to your own courage and steadfastness and your security services for their swift actions Saturday evening in preventing further injury.”
The king also praised the president’s ballroom plans, while joking about the British army’s burning of the White House during the War of 1812, calling it a “real estate development” that pales in comparison to current expansion efforts.
He presented the president with the original bell from the H.M.S. Trump, a World War II-era submarine.
“Should you ever need to get a hold of us, just give us a ring,” the king said.
Among those accompanying the royal delegation were Sir Clive Alderton, principal private secretary to their majesties, and Tobyn Andreae.
Trump also highlighted the presence of Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, the recent Masters Tournament winner.
“That was unconquerable courage,” he said.
Senior administration officials including Scott Bessent and Howard Lutnick attended the dinner.
The Iran war was discussed between the two leaders, according to Trump.
“Charles agrees with me even more than I do,” he said. “We’re never going to let that opponent have a nuclear weapon.”
Several members of the president’s family were also present, including Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, Eric Trump and his wife Lara Trump, as well as Tiffany Trump and her husband Michael Boulos.
Guests were served a multi-course menu beginning with garden vegetable herb velouté with hearts of palm, toasted shallots, and micro mint. The second course featured handmade ricotta and morel mushroom ravioli infused with herbs from the White House kitchen garden, followed by Dover sole meunière with brown butter, spring vegetables, and potatoes pavé. Dessert highlighted White House honey in a chocolate gâteau shaped like a beehive, accompanied by vanilla bean crémeux and crème fraîche ice cream.
Musical performances were provided by service members representing the Marines, Army, and Air Force, alongside United States Marine Band, with support from the Army Chorus, Army Strings, Army Herald Trumpets, Air Force Singing Sergeants, and Air Force Strings.
Floral arrangements reflected a shared appreciation for gardens, according to the First Lady’s office. Cherry blossoms adorned the Grand Foyer, complemented by garden boxes and tall trees throughout the dining room.
Table settings featured butterfly ranunculus, lilac, lily of the valley, and phlox atop green linens, alongside more than 250 pieces of vermeil and hand-crafted ceramics.
Hand-painted menus completed the presentation, with courses served on historic china from the administrations of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
