King Charles has shut down an attempt from US President Donald Trump to give him a new nickname with some ancient royal pedigree.
The exchange occurred while the US leader was enjoying an unprecedented second State Visit in the UK last week.
President Trump is known for branding his political opponents with cruel nicknames, from “crooked” Hillary Clinton to “sleepy” Joe Biden, but he had a more fearsome royal moniker in mind for King Charles.
Inspiration struck the 47th president while staying at Windsor Castle, where he was fascinated by the history of the almost 1000-year-old Norman fortress.
King Charles was not keen on a nickname suggested to him by President Donald Trump during the US leader's State Visit
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When an aide informed Mr Trump it has been built in the year 990, he remarked he was: “Trying to figure that one out. 990? So it's like, you know, it's like really old.”
“The name of the king at the time was William the Conqueror. I said, ‘That's the coolest name I've ever heard,’” he shared while speaking at the American Cornerstone Institute Dinner.
“William the Conqueror... he built this massive, massive castle, and he was known for winning wars,” Mr Trump marvelled.
The US leader then hoped that his host, King Charles, would share his enthusiasm and suggested a new name for him inspired by the Norman ruler.
Mr Trump was inspired by the ancient Windsor Castle and its builder, William the Conqueror
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Mr Trump revealed to his captive audience: “I asked King Charles, ‘Why don't we call you Charles the Conqueror?’”
The King was remembered to reply: “No, (Laughs) I don't think so. I don't think so."
Despite Charles’s lack of interest in the warlike moniker, President Trump praised him for his more modern achievements - far divorced from medieval fields of battle.
“He's a great guy and he's doing a great job. An unbelievable job,” the US leader glowed.
Mr Trump suggested 'Charles the Conqueror' for the King, who politely declined the idea
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William the Conqueror was the Norman ruler who invaded England in 1066 and defeated the Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings.
He would rule as William I until 1087, where he established many of the chivalric traditions and icons that survive in today’s monarchy – including Windsor Castle.
President Trump was reflecting on history during his speech as the US approaches its 250th anniversary next year.
In 1776, the thirteen British colonies that would become the United States declared their independence from King George III.
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The Royal Family may be inked an invite to America's 250th anniversary celebrations next year
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Despite the rocky beginning to the relationship between Britain and the newly independent US, President Trump is believed to be keen on a royal presence at the celebrations next year.
Word of a reciprocal State Visit during the 250th anniversary was fuelled when a senior White House official spoke about the success of Mr Trump’s trip to the UK as they returned to Washington DC.
“It was a really fantastic trip. The British know how to do this perfectly,” they said.
The official appeared to let slip an invitation would be extended with the comment: “They set the bar high for their trip to see us.”