Yvette Cooper looks on as King Charles left in stitches during Donald Trump crunch talks

Dorothy Reddin
Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:20:28 +0000

Yvette Cooper was photographed looking on as King Charles was left in stitches by Donald Trump in the Oval Office today.

The King held talks with President Trump as part of the second day of his state visit to the United States.

The Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper joined the monarch for the meeting, alongside British Ambassador to Washington Christian Turner.

Senior members of the Trump administration were also in attendance, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The royal visit has been organised to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, with the King and Queen Camilla set to travel to Washington DC, New York City and Virginia during their four-day trip.

Following the Oval Office discussions, President Trump accompanied the royal couple to their vehicle and offered brief comments to the press.

"It was a really good meeting," Mr Trump told reporters. "He's a fantastic person. They're incredible people, and it's a real honour."

First Lady Melania Trump was also present as the royals departed. When asked about her wellbeing following the attempted assassination of the President at a press gala in Washington over the weekend, she responded: "Very well, thank you."

The gunman who opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner is now in custody, with no injuries reported from the incident.

The meeting took place against a backdrop of strained relations between London and Washington in recent months.

President Trump has publicly criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer on multiple occasions, particularly over his reluctance to participate in military action against Iran.

The American President has also drawn anger in Britain after making dismissive comments about the country's armed forces, reportedly describing British aircraft carriers as "toys".

In his address to Congress later today, the King will emphasise themes of "reconciliation and renewal" between the two nations.

The speech, prepared on the advice of the UK Government, will highlight how Britain and America have repeatedly "found ways to come together".

The monarch is also expected to express sympathy during his 20-minute congressional address regarding the attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, which occurred just two days before the royal couple arrived in Washington.

This evening, a state dinner will be held in honour of the King and Queen Camilla.

The royal couple will travel to New York on Wednesday before returning to the capital for a formal farewell with the Trumps.

They will then visit Virginia to attend an event marking America's 250th anniversary of independence.

The King will continue alone to Bermuda, where he serves as head of state, while the Queen returns to Britain.