Pink Hues Set the Scene for Royal Welcome
Shades of pink established the atmosphere as US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted King Charles and Queen Camilla at the White House. The foyer was adorned with cherry blossoms, providing a ceremonial backdrop for the evening's events.
Champagne glasses were raised as the president and the King toasted each other, celebrating the longstanding ties and shared history between the United States and the United Kingdom.
The state dinner commemorated the enduring relationship between the US and the UK, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American independence.
In his remarks, President Trump described the connection with the UK as a
"friendship unlike any other on Earth".
Trump and King Charles Exchange Jokes and Praise in Speeches
The evening began with a speech by President Trump, who expressed gratitude to the UK for the
"great, great gift"of a rich inheritance. He noted that many of Britain's former colonies may not fully appreciate what they owe to the UK.
Trump then proposed a toast to 250 years of American freedom and to King Charles, whom he called a
"great man". He emphasized the unity of the two nations, stating they have stood together
"defiant and triumphant against the forces of communism, fascism and tyranny".
King Charles presented President Trump with a bell from the tower of the HMS Trump, a Royal Navy submarine launched in 1944 that served in the Battle of the Pacific during World War II.
In his remarks, the King described the gift as a symbol of
"our shared history and shining future", adding humorously,
"if you ever need to get hold of us….just give us a ring".
He concluded by thanking Trump for a
"wonderful dinner,"joking that it was
"a considerable improvement on the Boston Tea Party".
Menu and Decor Reflect English Garden Inspiration
According to the White House, First Lady Melania Trump led the preparations for the dinner.
The meal began with a garden herb velouté accompanied by a hearts of palm salad, followed by a ravioli dish featuring herbs sourced from the White House garden. The main course was a traditional dover sole meunière served with nutty brown butter.
Dessert consisted of a sweet beehive-shaped chocolate gâteau paired with vanilla bean crémeux custard.
The White House stated that the decor drew inspiration from English gardens, with towering trees and blossoming lilac boxes enhancing the room's ambiance.
Tables were dressed in green linens and adorned with seasonal spring bouquets featuring butterfly ranunculus, phlox, and lily of the valley.
Place settings included over 250 pieces of vermeil from the White House collection, complemented by hand-painted menus.
Guest List Features Political, Business, and Cultural Leaders
In addition to the King and Queen, the White House invited over 100 guests.
The attendees included members of the president's cabinet, the King's aides, Republican lawmakers, six Supreme Court justices, television hosts, billionaire business owners, and prominent conservative allies.
Supreme Court Justices present included Samuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, John Roberts, and Clarence Thomas.
Technology leaders who had met the King earlier at Blair House were also present, including Amazon and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos with his wife Lauren Sanchez, and Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Fox News hosts Greg Gutfeld, Laura Ingraham, and Bret Baier attended the event.
Other notable guests included professional golfer Rory McIlroy, US fashion designer Ralph Lauren, and billionaire businessman Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots.
Elegant White Tie Attire in Shades of Pink
The dress code for the evening was white tie, the most formal attire.
First Lady Melania Trump wore a pale delphinium pink silk strapless gown by Christian Dior Haute Couture, complemented by off-white Dior suede gloves and pale delphinium silk pumps.
Queen Camilla wore a deep pink Fiona Clare evening gown, paired with an amethyst and diamond necklace originally gifted by a former Duchess of Kent to Queen Victoria and later passed to Queen Mary.
Both King Charles and President Trump wore black tuxedos with white shirts. The King accessorized his outfit with a blue sash and medals.
