During the event, he appeared to respond playfully to remarks previously made by President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in January, when Trump said that without American intervention in World War II, Europe could be “speaking German and a little Japanese.”

Drawing laughter from the audience, King Charles said: “You recently commented, Mr President, that if it were not for the United States, European countries would be speaking German. Dare I say that if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French.”

The exchange came during a state dinner at the White House, part of the King and Queen’s visit to the US.

Earlier in the trip, King Charles also addressed a joint meeting of Congress, becoming only the second British monarch to do so, after Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.

In his speech, the King highlighted the long-standing ties between the UK and the US, thanking Americans for their hospitality and emphasising the strength of the bilateral relationship.

“The alliance that our two nations have built over the centuries—and for which we are profoundly grateful to the American people—is truly unique,” he said, according to a statement from the Royal Family.

The visit, undertaken by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, runs from April 27 to April 30 and marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, while also celebrating the close historical and diplomatic ties between the two countries.

During the visit, the King also presented Trump with a ceremonial bell from a World War II-era British submarine, reportedly named HMS Trump.

The brass bell, engraved with Trump’s name and the year 1944, came from a submarine that played a significant role in the Pacific theatre during the war, according to reports.

“May it stand as a testament to our nations’ shared history and shining future,” the King said, describing it as a personal gift.