Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

King Charles, Queen Camilla Attend Trump's First White-Tie Dinner

4/29/2026

42 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Charles Attends Dinner

King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended a state dinner hosted by President Donald Trump and Melania Trump on Tuesday, the first white-tie dinner since 2007.
Queen Camilla wore a pink gown and an amethyst-diamond necklace, while King Charles III gave President Donald Trump the HMS Trump submarine bell.
The menu included vegetable velouté, Dover sole meunière, and a 2024 Hopkins Riesling while the Marine Band performed.

Summary

Charles Addresses Congress

King Charles III delivered a 13-minute speech referencing the Boston Tea Party and his mother’s U.S. visits, becoming the second monarch to address a joint session of Congress on the 250th-anniversary.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the speech earned Democratic applause in Congress, a first for a foreign monarch.
A 21-gun cannon salute marked the arrival, after which the Trumps will host a send-off before the royals travel to Virginia.

History

Historical Context

In 1939 King George VI traveled to the United States, meeting President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The North-American tour, which included the New York World’s Fair, aimed to counter U.S. isolationism and strengthen Anglo-American ties as war approached Europe. The visit helped forge the personal bond that underpinned the Allied partnership during World War II.

1 of 3

Charles Attends Dinner

King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended a state dinner hosted by President Donald Trump and Melania Trump on Tuesday, the first white-tie dinner since 2007.
Queen Camilla wore a pink gown and an amethyst-diamond necklace, while King Charles III gave President Donald Trump the HMS Trump submarine bell.
The menu included vegetable velouté, Dover sole meunière, and a 2024 Hopkins Riesling while the Marine Band performed.

1 / 3