King Charles III drew laughs during a state dinner at the White House after he joked about Britain burning down the presidential residence during the War of 1812 while referencing President Donald Trump’s ballroom construction project.
A dinner hosted by Trump and first lady Melania Trump in honor of Charles and Queen Camilla was held in the East Room on Tuesday night (April 28).
In a low-key speech, Charles acknowledged ongoing renovations at the White House before making a historic point.
“On this occasion, I cannot fail to note the modifications to the east wing, Mr. President,” said the King.
He then added: “I am sorry to say that of course we Brits in 1814 made our own little attempt at remodeling the White House estates.
The remark referred to the burning of the White House by British soldiers during the War of 1812 and reportedly drew laughter from guests attending the formal dinner.
A rare royal state dinner
The King Charles III event marked a rare state dinner at the White House in honor of the British monarch.
The last such occasion was in 2007 when President George W. Bush hosted Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to the US.
Charles praises Trump’s “historic” second term
During the speech, Charles also praised Trump’s return to office and highlighted the importance of US-UK ties.
“It’s wonderful to be back in this magnificent building, the heart of your democracy,” Charles said.
The king described Trump’s second term as president as “historic” and highlighted the long-standing relationship between Britain and the United States.
The state visit was designed to highlight the alliance between the two countries as the United States marks 250 years since its independence from Britain.
Why British troops burned down the White House in 1814
King’s joke referred to one of the most dramatic episodes in American history.
On August 24, 1814, British forces entered Washington, DC during the War of 1812 and set fire to several government buildings, including the White House.
The attack came in retaliation for an earlier American attack on York, now Toronto, in 1813, where American soldiers burned public buildings in what was then Upper Canada.
By the time of the British advance, President James Madison had already left Washington to confer with military commanders as British troops approached the capital.
The dramatic escape of Dolley Madison
According to historical reports and letters preserved by the White House Historical Society, First Lady Dolley Madison remained in the White House until the last possible moment.
Before leaving, James Madison reportedly asked her if she had the “courage or fortitude” to await his return and prepare to evacuate important government papers.
As British troops approached, Dolley Madison ordered servants to rescue the famous portrait of George Washington from the walls of the White House.
The portrait, believed to be a copy of Gilbert Stuart’s famous painting, was removed from its frame, rolled up and carried to safety by two men from New York.
British troops later set fire to the White House, leaving much of the building destroyed.
The White House rebuilt after the attack
Although the Madisons returned to Washington a few days later after the British forces withdrew, they never lived in the White House again.
The couple finished out the remainder of Madison’s presidency at the Octagon House while renovations continued on the executive residence.
The White House was restored over the following years, and President James Monroe became the first president to move back into the rebuilt residence in 1817.
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