Donald Trump makes savage remark about how long marriage with Melania will last in awkward speech
Donald Trump's affinity for the British royal family was on full display during his speech at the White House on Tuesday (28 April).
But while loudly and proudly discussing his unwavering admiration of King Charles and Co, he slipped in what has been perceived by many as a subtle dig towards his wife Melania.
Speaking from a podium on the South Lawn, the US president went on a short tangent to make a joke about the length of their marriage.
On the second day of King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit to the US, Trump rolled out the red carpet for the royals and doled out dozens of compliments as he welcomed them into the White House.
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It is the first time this kind of trip had taken place since 2007, when the late Queen Elizabeth travelled across the pond - and it seems the commander-in-chief has gone out of his way to ensure that this is a memorable one.
Charles and Camilla were greeted with an unprecedented military ceremony - which even featured a flyover - before Trump then gave a gushing speech in honour of his guests.
He reflected on the adoration his Scotland-born mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, had for the British monarchy throughout her life, explaining how she absolutely 'loved' the Queen... and how she had something of a crush on her eldest son.
Trump told the crowd: "Anytime the Queen was involved in a ceremony or anything, my mother would be glued to the television and she'd say, 'Look Donald, look how beautiful that is'.
"She really did love the family. But I also remember her saying - very clearly - 'Charles, young Charles, he is so cute'. My mother had a crush on Charles, can you believe it? I wonder what she's thinking right now."
But if you thought making the King blush with that awkward comment was bad, wait until you hear what he said about his wife Melania moments earlier.
He gushed about how his late mother and his 'incredible father' Fred had met shortly after she moved to the US when she was 19 years old.
"We loved him so much, we all loved her," Trump said. "They were married for 63 years."
While applauding his parents for sticking together after more than six decades and five children, the president then paused to take stock of his and Melania's marriage.
For context, the 79-year-old met the former model, 56, back in 1998 before they later got hitched in 2005, so they said their vows to one another 21 years ago.
Turning to address his spouse in the middle of the televised speech, Trump told Melania: "And excuse me, if you don't mind... that's a record we won't be able to match, darling.
"I'm sorry, it's just not going to work out that way. We'll do well, but we're not going to do that well."
He got a decent laugh from the crowd with that gag, but he might want to expect a clip round the ear from Melania later after they've said goodbye to their royal guests.
Charles and Camilla touched down in Washington on Monday (27 April) for a four-day state visit to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
King Charles and Queen Camilla's US state visit schedule
Day 1: Monday 27 April
On Monday afternoon, Donald and Melania Trump welcomed King Charles and Queen Camilla at the South Portico of the White House. The president and first lady hosted a private tea for the royals before giving them a tour of the newly expanded White House beehive on the South Lawn.
They later attended a garden party at the British ambassador's residence in Washington, with around 650 people representing the UK and US in attendance. Up to 3,000 sandwiches were prepared for the occasion, with guests ranging from Trump administration officials to retired British diver Tom Daley.
King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to stay at Blair House, the official guesthouse across from the White House, during their state visit.
Day 2: Tuesday 28 April
On Tuesday morning, the president and first lady hosted a State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House to formally welcome Their Majesties, featuring a traditional military arrival ceremony and a speech from Trump.
The King and POTUS participated in a bilateral meeting to discuss the US and UK's relations. At the same time, the Queen and the first lady joined students for an educational event at the White House Tennis Pavilion.
This afternoon, King Charles will deliver a speech to both houses of the US Congress, making him the second British monarch to do so after his mother Queen Elizabeth II’s speech during her 1991 state visit.
A State Dinner will be held in the evening, where the monarch and Trump are expected to give speeches.
Day 3: Wednesday 29 April
On Wednesday, King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel to the Big Apple to attend a 9/11 memorial at One World Trade Center. They will also meet with the first responders and families of victims in the 2001 attacks.
The King will then visit a community organisation and attend a meeting with senior business leaders, while the Queen will head to a literary event to mark the 100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh.
Day 4: Thursday 30 April
For the final day of their state visit, the royals will return to the White House to bid a formal goodbye to the president and first lady.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will then make their way to Virginia to visit a national park and attend community events celebrating the 250th anniversary of US independence.
The Palace says His Majesty will then travel to Bermuda to undertake his first royal visit as Monarch to a British Overseas Territory.
Topics: Donald Trump, King Charles III, Royal Family, The Queen, US News, UK News, Politics
Olivia Burke