The royal couple, aged 78 and 77 respectively, are spending four days in the U.S. with Donald Trump and the First Lady, attending formal events and carrying out a series of engagements.

On Tuesday (28 April), the second day of their trip, the schedule was packed. Highlights included Charles delivering a historic speech to Congress, followed by an elaborate state banquet later that evening.

A Phrase Lost in Translation

Earlier that day, the King and Queen took part in a ceremonial arrival at the White House, where they were welcomed by Trump and Melania on the South Lawn. Four chairs had been arranged for the couples as they prepared for the president’s address.

A clip that quickly circulated online showed the two women, both dressed in white, seated side by side and quietly chatting while waiting for proceedings to begin.

With light rain falling, a lip reader claimed to have picked up part of their exchange. According to the analysis, Camilla remarked: “Oh, it’s rather wet,” prompting Melania to reply with a laugh, “It certainly is.”

Camilla then reportedly added: “We shall have soggy bottoms,” a distinctly British expression that seemed to confuse Melania, who repeated: “Soggy bottom.”

The phrase, widely known in the UK thanks to The Great British Bake Off, refers to undercooked pastry. It also uses the word “bottom” in a way that isn’t as common in American English, which may explain the brief moment of confusion.

A Historic Address

Later that day, King Charles made history by addressing the U.S. Congress, becoming only the second British monarch to do so after Queen Elizabeth II.

In his speech, he reflected on shared democratic values between the two nations, saying: “Distinguished members of the 119th Congress, it is here in these very halls that this spirit of liberty and the promise of America’s Founders is present in every session and every vote cast.”

“Not by the will of one, but by the deliberation of many, representing the living mosaic of the United States.”

He continued: “In both of our countries, it is the very fact of our vibrant, diverse and free societies that gives us our collective strength, including to support victims of some of the ills that, so tragically, exist in both our societies today.”

The Visit Itinerary

Day 1: Monday 27 April
Trump and Melania welcomed Charles and Camilla at the White House before hosting a private tea and giving them a tour of the South Lawn. Later, the royals attended a garden party at the British ambassador’s residence, where hundreds of guests were present.

Day 2: Tuesday 28 April
The official arrival ceremony took place, followed by bilateral talks between the King and the president. Meanwhile, Camilla joined Melania for an educational event. The day concluded with a state dinner and Charles’ address to Congress.

Day 3: Wednesday 29 April
The royal couple will travel to New York City to attend a 9/11 memorial at One World Trade Center and meet first responders and victims’ families. Additional engagements include community visits and a literary event marking 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh.

Day 4: Thursday 30 April
The visit will conclude with a formal farewell at the White House before the King and Queen head to Virginia for public appearances tied to the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. Charles is also expected to travel on to Bermuda for his first visit there as monarch.

Despite the packed diplomatic schedule, it was this small, human moment between Camilla and Melania that unexpectedly caught the internet’s attention.