King Charles III tells Trump: Without Britain, Americans would be speaking French

ALBAWABA- Britain’s King Charles III drew laughter and applause during his historic address to the U.S. Congress by joking that without Britain, Americans would likely be speaking French, underscoring the enduring and often humorous bond between the United Kingdom and the United States.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla began their visit to New York City on Wednesday with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial, paying tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks.

The royal couple placed a bouquet of flowers at one of the memorial pools in Lower Manhattan, nearly 25 years after the attacks. They also met first responders, including firefighters and police officers who were at the World Trade Center site, as well as families of victims and local officials. The visit is part of their four-day state trip to the United States, which also coincides with commemorations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.

“We do not embark on these remarkable endeavors together out of sentiment. We do so because they build greater shared resilience for the future,” King Charles says to Congresshttps://t.co/ltQ8QOEFCv

— Wall Street Journal Opinion (@WSJopinion) April 29, 2026

The New York engagement followed King Charles III’s landmark speech to a joint session of Congress in Washington on Tuesday, making him only the second British monarch to address both chambers of the U.S. legislature.

In his speech, the King praised the long-standing alliance between Britain and the United States, describing it as a unique partnership forged over centuries and sustained by shared values, history, and mutual respect. He said Americans have the “profound gratitude” of the British people for the enduring relationship between the two nations.

One of the most memorable moments came when Charles responded to remarks previously made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had said that without American intervention in World War II, Europeans would be speaking German.

“You recently commented, Mr. President, that if it were not for the United States, European countries would be speaking German,” Charles said. “Dare I say that, if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French?” The remark, referencing Britain’s historic role in North America and its rivalry with France during the colonial era, was met with laughter across the chamber.

Beyond the humor, the King stressed the strategic importance of the U.S.-UK alliance in an increasingly uncertain global environment, highlighting NATO, collective security, and Washington’s global leadership role.

The state visit, hosted by President Trump, is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and reaffirming the close diplomatic relationship between the two allies, with further cultural and official engagements scheduled in New York.