A lip reader has claimed to reveal the chilling statement Donald Trump said to King Charles III and Queen Camilla when they arrived in the US.
The British monarch, 77, and his wife, 78, arrived in Washington DC on Monday (27 April) for their much-anticipated four-day state visit across the pond.
Charles and Camilla received posies from children of British military families based in the US, before being greeted by the diplomatic, federal, and state representatives, and walking through an honour cordon formed by US military personnel.
However, their visit has already been slightly overshadowed by the events of the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night (25 April). Trump was surrounded by Secret Service and quickly whisked out of the room after gunshots were heard.
The suspect, who has since been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, has been charged with the attempted assassination of US President Donald Trump. He was also charged with transport of a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce and with discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Questions were raised over whether the state visit would go ahead, and it was eventually decided it would proceed as planned – and it looks like it’s still on Trump’s mind.
Lip reader Nicola Hickling told the Daily Mail that Trump appeared to say: “This shooting …”
The King then apparently appeared to respond with: “I’d rather not stand about here too long. I feel I shouldn’t be here.”
It’s reported that the Republican leader asked King if he was okay, adding: “It’s not a good thing. I wasn’t prepared, but now I am prepared.”
Then, he reportedly switched up the conversation to tell the monarch he’d been in touch with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“So right now, I am talking to Putin,” Trump apparently then said. “He wants war.”
According to the lip reader, Charles affirmed that they would discuss that topic later, but Trump continued: “I’ve got a feeling… if he did what he said, he will wipe out the population.”
King Charles reportedly tried to change the subject again, apparently saying: “Another time.”
The president then took on a more lighthearted approach as he supposedly pointed out his new ballroom to the King and offered to show it to them.
“You can see right through there. Right the way through to the ballroom. Would you like to see?” he is said to have asked, pointing it out.
The King then chuckled before responding: “I’m sure you shall show us.”
Tyla has contacted Buckingham Palace and the White House for comment.
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 will host 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 will participate in a bilateral meeting to discuss the US and UK’s relations. At the same time, the Queen and the first lady will join students for an educational event at the White House Tennis Pavilion.
King Charles will also 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.
