King Charles gifts bell from HMS Trump to president

King Charles III presented President Donald Trump with a historic naval artifact during Tuesday night’s White House state dinner, gifting him the original bell from HMS Trump and delivering a joke that drew laughter from the room.

The bell came from HMS Trump, a British submarine launched in 1944 that served in the Pacific during World War II.

“Tonight, Mr. President, I am delighted to present to you as a personal gift the original bell which hung on the conning tower of your valiant namesake,” Charles said, adding, “may it stand as a testimony to our nation’s shared history and shining future.”

The King then smiled and quipped, “And should you ever need to get hold of us… just give us a ring,” prompting laughter from guests.

The royal couple was welcomed Tuesday evening by President Trump and first lady Melania Trump for the state dinner in the East Room.

Trump opened the event by praising Charles’ earlier address to Congress, while joking about the reaction it received from lawmakers. “Charles made a fantastic speech today at Congress,” Trump said. “He got the Democrats to stand, and I’ve never been able to do it. I couldn’t believe it.”

“They liked him more than they’ve ever liked any Republican or Democrat, actually,” Trump added, drawing laughs.

Trump also reflected on a previous visit to Windsor Castle, joking about the scale of the royal residence and its builder, William the Conqueror. “I looked down as a former real estate person, and it just went on forever,” Trump said.