King Charles faced an unexpected diplomatic eyebrow raise after President Donald Trump appeared to deliver a “awful backstab,” inadvertently suggesting the monarch didn’t work hard.
The incident stems from Trump’s remarks during his September two day State Visit to the UK, which he described as “truly one of the highest honours of my life.”
While the visit was widely hailed as a diplomatic success, and the US leader showered King Charles and the Royal Family with praise, one choice of words raised eyebrows.
At the State Banquet, he lauded the Charles as “epitomising the fortitude, nobility, and the spirit of the British monarchy and the British people,” though critics argue the phrasing carried an unintended slight, sparking a flurry of commentary and online backlash.
Following the conclusion of their September State Visit to the UK, Trump warmly shook the King’s hand, calling him “a great gentleman” and “a great King.”
However, the former US president later made headlines with a remark about his own work ethic.
When asked about “No Kings” protests, Trump declared, “I’m not a King, I work my a** off to make the US great!”
Royal fans were quick to react online, with many interpreting the comment as a pointed slight. One social media user fumed, “Kings don’t work???? That’s a nasty backstab to your good mate Charles!!!”
Another questioned, “Is that a dig at Charles?” Political commentator Dan Hodges chimed in: “OK. But that’s what our King does.”
While it seems unlikely Trump intended offense, the remark highlighted subtle tensions during his UK trip.
Reports suggest the president, after touring royal collections and exhibitions with accompanying tech chiefs, admitted he was “ready for a break” from sightseeing, despite praising the “beautiful” memorials he visited.