King Charles III used a state dinner at the White House on Tuesday to deliver a pointed historical joke about President Donald Trump's renovations to the East Wing. The king remarked on the changes to the White House, referencing the burning of the presidential mansion by British troops in 1814.
Joke About White House Renovations
Standing just feet from President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, King Charles said, 'On this occasion, I cannot help noticing the readjustments to the East Wing, Mr. President. 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.' The comment drew a smile and chuckle from the president.
The king's quip referred to the burning of the White House by British forces during the War of 1812. According to the White House Historical Association, the building was evacuated before the attack, with First Lady Dolley Madison ensuring the removal of government documents and a portrait of George Washington. No one was injured in the fire, and architect James Hoban, along with free and enslaved workers, restored the structure in subsequent years.
Context of the Joke
The remark came days after a shooting outside the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, an event that Republicans have cited as justification for the construction of a $400 million ballroom in the East Wing for security reasons.
Later in his speech, King Charles noted that his family's history is present in various U.S. locations, including Virginia, Maryland, the Carolinas, and Charleston. He also addressed President Trump's claim that European countries 'would be speaking German' without American help in World War II. The king countered with a historical retort: 'Dare I say that, if it wasn't for us, you'd be speaking French,' referencing Britain's victory over France in the Seven Years' War.
