King Charles hailed by observers for 'damning' jab he took at Trump: 'Quite something'

King Charles III has been praised by onlookers for an unlikely comparison made between President Donald Trump and a moment in US history.

During a speech given at a state dinner, the visiting King noted the long-running relationship between the US and the United Kingdom.

King Charles said, "You recently commented, Mr. President, that if it were not for the United States, European countries would be speaking German. Dare I say that if it wasn't for us, you'd be speaking French."

Some analysts picked up on the subtle jab at Trump, with King Charles seemingly making reference to the War of 1812. The British Army burnt down the Capitol, the President's house, and other public buildings in Washington in 1814.

Journalist Annette Dittert wrote, "I am not sure whether Trump understood how damning that allusion was, well hidden under a thick layer of British humor and self-deprecation. But to compare Trump's ballroom plans with the English destroying Washington during a war over trade in 1814 is quite something."

Zeteo founder Mehdi Hasan added, "The best part of this joke is that Trump is laughing but I bet he doesn’t understand it."

A separate speech from King Charles has been praised by CNN senior vice president David Chalian. He said, "He comes in with his position to be above it a bit and in his, you know, very British, stiff upper lip kind of way.

"It's not that he was trying to get in a fight with President Trump, but he couldn't have seized the opportunity more to really stand clear on the importance of these things with a value system underneath it that is in contrast to a lot of what Donald Trump has been presenting on the world stage as it comes to these alliances."

Trump's administration sparked widespread embarrassment when black lampposts outside the White House were adorned with Australian flags instead of British flags ahead of King Charles III's state visit.

The blunder occurred as hundreds of national banners welcomed the King and Queen Camilla for a four-day visit to Washington, New York, and Virginia to commemorate 250 years since the Declaration of Independence.

The i Paper's Victoria Richards wrote: "The US, meanwhile, can't even remember what our flag looks like... there's only 'king' who matters in Washington – and his name is Donald Trump." The error was quickly corrected by the DC Department of Transportation.