King Charles praises White House state dinner music during US visit

King Charles has shared his admiration for a standout moment from the recent White House state dinner, praising the musical performances that featured American military bands.

The monarch made the comment on Wednesday during a trade and business engagement at Rockefeller Center in New York, where he met senior executives from both the United States and the United Kingdom. 

During a brief conversation with Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman, who also attended the state dinner, the King said he was “so impressed” by the military music performed at the event.

The state dinner, held on April 28 in Washington, D.C., featured performances by musicians from the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, adding a ceremonial touch to the diplomatic gathering.

Music appreciation is a long-standing interest for the King, who has previously been involved in selecting pieces for major royal occasions, including the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are currently undertaking a four-day official visit to the United States, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence from Britain. 

Their programme has included meetings with political leaders, cultural engagements and commemorative visits in both Washington and New York.

The trip began with their arrival in the US capital, followed by high-level diplomatic events, including the King’s historic address to Congress. 

The couple later travelled to New York for a series of public and cultural appearances before concluding their visit with engagements in Virginia.