Trump jokes mother had crush on young Prince Charles

President Donald Trump joked during King Charles III and Queen Camilla's state visit to Washington that his Scottish-born mother, Mary Macleod Trump, had a childhood "crush" on the then-young Prince Charles, prompting an awkward reaction from the monarch. Speaking at a ceremonial military welcome at the White House, Trump recalled his mother watching the Queen on television and saying "Charles, look young Charles, he's so cute." The King responded with a nervous laugh and wave. Trump also made a lighthearted remark to First Lady Melania Trump about his parents' 63-year marriage, joking he would not be able to match that record with her. King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived for their historic three-day state visit, the first by a British monarch to the United States in nearly 40 years. The royal couple received an elaborate military ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House. Trump reflected on the "special relationship" between the United States and United Kingdom before delving into his family's connection to Britain. He noted his mother emigrated from Scotland in 1912 and remained fascinated by the Royal Family throughout her life. "My mother really did love the family," Trump said. King Charles was later scheduled to deliver an address to a joint session of Congress, making him only the second British monarch to do so after Queen Elizabeth II addressed Congress in 1991. The King's address was expected to emphasize the enduring U.S.-UK alliance despite occasional disagreements, with messaging about finding common ground amid various global challenges. The state visit marks a significant diplomatic milestone as both nations seek to strengthen their historic ties.