Trump's 'crush' anecdote leaves King blushing

Trump's 'crush' anecdote leaves King blushing

An awkward aside cut through a formal White House address as Donald Trump told King Charles III his mother once had a crush on him.

Speaking alongside the King and Queen, Camilla, Trump recalled his late mother's love of the Royal Family – including her reaction to a young Charles on television.

"I remember her saying very clearly, 'Charles, look, young Charles, he is so cute,'" he said.

Watch the video above.Britain's King Charles III, right, and first lady Melania Trump listen to President Donald Trump, center, speak during a State Visit arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

LIVE UPDATES: King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at White House for state dinner

He then added: "My mother had a crush on Charles – can you believe it?"

The King laughed away the comment during the otherwise formal address.

Trump continued, describing his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born on Scotland's Isle of Lewis before moving to New York.

"My wonderful mother, Mary MacLeod, was born in Stornoway, Scotland, the Hebrides. And that is what they call very serious Scotland, there is no question about it," he said.King Charles addresses US Congress

"She came to America at 19, met my incredible father – we loved him so much – Fred, and they were married for 63 years."

He said she closely followed the royals throughout her life.

"And any time the Queen was involved in a ceremony or anything, my mother would be glued to the television, and she would say, 'Look, Donald, look how beautiful that is'.

"She really did love the family."

The speech took place ahead of a private Oval Office meeting between the two leaders, which will not be broadcast.

READ MORE: Trump thrills in 'royal ties' as he welcomes King to White House on historic day

Elsewhere, Melania Trump and Queen Camilla hosted an education-focused event with students at the White House Tennis Pavilion, prior to a state dinner that is now underway.

On the next leg of the visit, the King and Queen will travel to New York, where they are due to visit the National September 11 Memorial at One World Trade Centre and meet with families of victims and first responders involved in the attacks.

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