King Charles jokes about nearly being 'married off' to Richard Nixon's daughter

King Charles last night joked about nearly being "married off" to President Richard Nixon's daughter.

The monarch described the former president as "royal-obsessed" in his speech at the lavish state banquet at Windsor Castle, held in honour of Donald Trump. Charles referred to an occasion in 1970 when, then 21, he spent time with then-president Mr Nixon's daughter Tricia at social occasions, including a dinner and a baseball game. Mr Trump, 79, chuckled at Charles' joke, given during an address about "the close ties" between the UK and US

The King, 76, said: "For my part, I have always admired the ingenuity of the American people; and the principles of freedom which your great democracy has represented since its inception.

"Throughout my life, from my very first visit to the United States in 1970 and over 20 visits since that time, I have cherished the close ties between the British and American peoples.

"In fact, had the media succeeded in the 1970s in their own attempt at deepening the special relationship, I myself might have been married off within the Nixon family."

READ MORE: Prince Andrew seen laughing at Duchess of Kent's funeral as crowds gasp at his arrival

READ MORE: 'I saw the Queen's end-of-life struggles and what she endured to extend her life'

Mr Nixon served as president from 1969 until his resignation in 1974 as a result of the Watergate scandal. Tricia Nixon married Harvard Law student Edward Cox in a White House Rose Garden ceremony in 1971, while Charles went on to marry Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.

Addressing the group at the banquet, the monarch continued: "From York to New York, from Birmingham, England, to Birmingham, Alabama, we are united by a common language and shared heritage. The many thousands of people from each of our countries who have made the other their home have enriched our societies immeasurably - a fact that gives me the greatest pride.

"Our cultural connections, too, continue to flourish, with our actors, musicians, writers and television presenters prospering in the hearts of transatlantic audiences."

READ MORE: King Charles and Queen Camilla's home 'stalked by terrifying panther' as dogs give chase

Before the banquet, Mr Trump smiled from ear-to-ear as he stood next to his wife, Melania, as well as King Charles and Queen Camilla. Alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Gloucester, and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh were among royals present.

Prince William helped make sure Melania Trump was settled in her chair at the start of the banquet. Princess Kate also adjusted herself in her seat and was sat between Michael Bulous and Mr Trump.

Mr Trump, in his white tie, looked serious as he listened intently to the King's speech. He nodded as the King also spoke of his pride in his Scottish roots and smiled as he joked about British soil making "splendid golf courses".