In a private exchange captured by a lip reader, Donald Trump issued a succinct warning to King Charles regarding Vladimir Putin. The royal couple, King Charles and Queen Camilla, were warmly greeted at the White House during their four-day state visit to the US. This visit coincides with heightened tensions between the UK and US due to ongoing conflicts like the Iran war.

During the welcome reception on the White House’s South Lawn, President Trump appeared to address the recent events at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and the situation in Iran with the King. Although the initial conversation was not picked up by cameras, lip reader Nicola Hickling revealed that Trump discussed the White House shooting and his recent talks with the Russian president.

Trump expressed concerns about the shooting incident, to which the King responded with a sense of unease. The conversation shifted to Trump checking on the King’s well-being and expressing readiness for unforeseen events. Trump then mentioned his communication with Putin, hinting at the Russian president’s desire for conflict.

The King suggested discussing the matter later, steering the conversation away from potential hostilities. Trump expressed apprehensions about Putin’s intentions and potential actions, prompting the King to defer the topic for another time. The King is expected to address Congress during his state visit, emphasizing the enduring alliance between the UK and US and the importance of shared values like liberty, equality, and the rule of law.

The monarch will also extend sympathy and solidarity to the American people following the recent shooting, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. This address to Congress is a rare occurrence, with only one previous instance when Queen Elizabeth II spoke before a joint meeting in 1991.