King Charles Amuses Guests with Nixon Family Joke at Trump Banquet

King Charles brought laughter to a state banquet at Windsor Castle on March 15, 2024, where he humorously recounted a past encounter with Tricia Nixon, the daughter of former U.S. President Richard Nixon. The event, held in honour of former President Donald Trump, featured the King reminiscing about a time in 1970 when he was nearly “married off” to Nixon’s daughter during a series of social gatherings.

The banquet welcomed a host of dignitaries and royal family members, with Trump, aged 79, visibly amused by the King’s remarks. In his speech, Charles expressed admiration for the enduring ties between the United Kingdom and the United States.

During his address, he stated, “For my part, I have always admired the ingenuity of the American people; and the principles of freedom which your great democracy has represented since its inception.” He highlighted his appreciation for the relationship between the two nations, referencing his first visit to the U.S. in 1970 and over 20 subsequent trips.

Richard Nixon served as president from 1969 until his resignation in 1974 due to the Watergate scandal. His daughter, Tricia, married Harvard Law student Edward Cox in a ceremony at the White House Rose Garden in 1971. Meanwhile, Charles would go on to marry Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.

The King’s light-hearted quip about a potential marriage within the Nixon family drew laughter from the audience. He remarked, “In fact, had the media succeeded in the 1970s in their own attempt at deepening the special relationship, I myself might have been married off within the Nixon family.”

Celebrating Shared Heritage

King Charles continued to elaborate on the shared heritage of the British and American peoples. He noted, “From York to New York, from Birmingham, England, to Birmingham, Alabama, we are united by a common language and shared heritage.” He expressed pride in the contributions made by thousands of individuals from both countries who have settled in each other’s homelands, enhancing cultural connections.

He emphasized the importance of these ties, saying, “Our cultural connections, too, continue to flourish, with our actors, musicians, writers and television presenters prospering in the hearts of transatlantic audiences.”

Before the banquet commenced, Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, were seen posing for photographs alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla. The royal family was well represented, with the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Gloucester, and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, in attendance.

Prince William was attentive to Melania Trump, ensuring she was comfortably seated at the start of the evening. Princess Kate also took her place at the table, sitting between Michael Bulous and Donald Trump. Throughout the King’s address, Trump appeared engaged, nodding in approval as Charles spoke of his Scottish heritage and joked about how British soil creates “splendid golf courses.”

The evening served not only as a celebration of the long-standing relationship between the UK and the US but also highlighted the personal connections that have developed over decades. The light-hearted exchanges reflect the unique blend of diplomacy and camaraderie that characterizes such state occasions.