EXCLUSIVE: King Charles was in fine form at last nights state dinner as he cracked jokes about the US but President Donald Trump appeared to not get the gag, according to a body language expert
Donald Trump was treated to some good old British humour during last night’s state dinner but it appears the jokes went over the US President’s head, according to a leading body language expert.
The King’s speeches during his state visit to the US saw standing ovations and even laughter as Charles quipped witty remarks to Congress on Capitol Hill and later at the state dinner.
US senators and representatives who gathered to hear King Charles address both houses on Tuesday (April 29) rose to their feet to applaud the King on at least 12 occasions throughout the address.
But King Charles big moment came when he delivered witty punchlines at the White House banquet hosted by Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
One of them came when King remarked how Trump has said how if it was not for the US, European countries would be speaking German. The King joked in return: “Dare I say that, if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French!”
But according to body language expert Inbaal Honigman, Trump spent the time trying and “figure out why everyone’s laughing”.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star collaboration with casino.org/us, Inbaal said: “Trump’s reaction to the King’s joke about the USA’s official language not being French, reveals two things. Firstly, that the President didn’t actually get the joke, and secondly, that he’s happy and proud to be noticed by the King at all, whatever the reason.”
She added: “The room erupts, as anyone with the faintest understanding of American history loves the King’s joke. Trump’s body shows no signs of laughter. His shoulders are still, not shaking with laughter, not even a polite laugh.
“He isn’t even smiling at this stage, and he turns his head away, giving himself a moment to try and figure out why everyone’s laughing. We can then see his cheeks rise into a smile, when he realises that everyone else is laughing at a joke.
“The President then turns his head all the way around to face the room, and pride is evident all over his face. Chin raised, lips stretched, cheeks rounded – this is a proud smile. Like a child showing off in front of the class, being the teacher’s favourite Trump is thrilled to be referenced in the King’s address, no matter the context.”
King Charles was in fine form as his jokes continued throughout the speech, even commenting on Trump’s development of the White House ballroom.
He said: “”I cannot help noticing the readjustments to the East Wing, Mr. President, following your visit to Windsor Castle last year.”
“And I’m sorry to say that we British, of course, made our own small attempt at real estate redevelopment of the White House in 1814.”
The reigning monarch also quipped about the US’s space travel. He said: “Now, I know you have big plans for the Moon, Mr President, but I’ve actually checked the papers and I rather suspect it is already part of the Commonwealth, I’m afraid.”
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