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Pink-themed White House dinner honors US-UK ties
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed King Charles and Queen Camilla to the White House on Wednesday for a state dinner bathed in shades of pink, symbolizing the enduring bond between the two nations.
Ceremonial welcome amid cherry blossoms
The evening began in a foyer adorned with cherry blossoms, setting a ceremonial tone as champagne toasts were exchanged. Trump and King Charles celebrated 250 years of American independence, highlighting the deep-rooted friendship between the US and the UK.
In his remarks, Trump called the relationship "a friendship unlike any other on Earth," praising the UK for its historical legacy. He raised a toast to "250 years of American freedom" and lauded King Charles as "a great man," noting their nations' shared victories over "communism, fascism, and tyranny."
A gift from history
King Charles presented Trump with a bell from the HMS Trump, a Royal Navy submarine launched in 1944 that served in the Pacific during World War II. The monarch described the gift as a symbol of "our shared history and shining future," adding humorously, "If you ever need to get hold of us... just give us a ring."
Charles concluded his speech by thanking Trump for the "wonderful dinner," quipping that it was "a considerable improvement on the Boston Tea Party."
First Lady oversees lavish preparations
The White House stated that Melania Trump led the dinner preparations, which featured a menu inspired by English gardens. The meal included a garden herb velouté with hearts of palm salad, herb-infused ravioli, and a classic Dover sole meunière in brown butter.
Dessert was a beehive-shaped chocolate gâteau with vanilla bean crémeux. The decor mirrored the theme, with towering trees, lilac blossoms, and seasonal bouquets of butterfly ranunculus, phlox, and lily of the valley.
Tables were set with green linens and over 250 pieces of vermeil from the White House collection, alongside hand-painted menus.
High-profile guest list reflects shared values
More than 100 guests attended, including members of Trump's cabinet, the King's aides, Republican lawmakers, and six Supreme Court justices: Samuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, John Roberts, and Clarence Thomas.
Prominent figures from business and media were also present, such as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Fox News hosts Greg Gutfeld, Laura Ingraham, and Bret Baier, golfer Rory McIlroy, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
Formal attire and royal fashion
The dress code for the evening was white tie, the most formal attire. Melania Trump wore a pale delphinium pink strapless gown by Christian Dior Haute Couture, paired with off-white suede gloves and matching pumps.
Queen Camilla opted for a deep pink Fiona Clare evening gown, accessorized with an amethyst and diamond necklace once owned by Queen Victoria. The King and President Trump wore black tuxedos with white shirts, with Charles adding a blue sash and medals.
