White House Official Says King Charles May Have to Use 'Porta Potties' in a Tent During US Visit

King Charles and Donald Trump following a Beating Retreat military ceremony; (Inset) Will Scharf speaks during a monthly NCPC meeting. Cover Image Source: Getty Images| Andrew Matthews - WPA Pool; (Inset) Chip Somodevilla

Jan. 10 2026, Published 07:02 AM. ET

As King Charles looks forward to visiting the US to mark the nation's 250th Independence anniversary, a White House official has sparked surprise with an off-handed remark about the monarch's stay. Will Scharf, the White House staff secretary, floated the idea of Charles potentially using portable lavatories during a National Capital Planning Commission meeting on January 8. The in passing comment came as Scharf, who chairs the commission, argued in favor of Donald Trump's proposed $400M overhaul of the White House.

King Charles and Donald Trump pose ahead of a dinner at Winfield House. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images| Peter Summers) — King Charles and Donald Trump pose ahead of a dinner at Winfield House. (Image Source: Getty Images| Peter Summers)

According to GB News, Scharf spoke highly of Trump's ambitious project, which involves demolishing the East Wing to construct a massive 90,000-square-foot ballroom. Speaking about the King's upcoming state trip around that time, he remarked, "I think it's notable that when the President of the United States of America flies to the United Kingdom, he's hosted at Windsor Castle." He continued, "And when, next year, the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland comes to the United States, more likely than not, he will be hosted in a tent on the South Lawn with porta-potties. That, to me, is not a good look for the United States of America."

NCPC Chairman Will Scharf participates in a monthly NCPC meeting in Washington, DC. (Image Source: Getty Images| Chip Somodevilla)

Owing to Trump's renovation of the White House, visiting heads of state will be housed in temporary tents set up on the South Lawn. As the East Room can no longer hold large gatherings, portable toilets are placed nearby to save guests from having to walk back to the main building. Meanwhile, the White House has said that the East Wing was torn down due to serious water damage and mould. Scharf contrasted this with the grand welcome Trump received during his second UK state trip last September, including a carriage ride at Windsor Castle and a military display by the Red Arrows.

Donald Trump and King Charles participate in a carriage procession through Windsor Castle. (Image Source: Getty Images| Jordan Pettitt - WPA Pool)

If Charles's trip comes to fruition, it would mark the first time a British monarch has visited the US since 2007, when Queen Elizabeth was welcomed by President George W. Bush. It is expected to align with celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of America's independence from Britain. However, the new ballroom planned for hosting foreign dignitaries will not be finished in time, as it is due for completion before Trump's second term concludes in January 2029. It would also be Charles's first visit to the US since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle relocated to California in 2020.

Ahead of Charles's US state visit, former royal butler Paul Burrell revealed the monarch's 'two-pronged attack' on Trump. According to him, Prince William and Kate Middleton's growing role has not gone unnoticed by Charles, who wishes to deploy them as a vital part of the monarchy's overseas approach. As per the Royal Insider, he said, "He [Charles] knows they [William and Middleton] are the most important and most powerful armor in his arsenal." He continued that the King was "going to rely on them to pincer his visit to America. It'll be a two-pronged attack," suggesting that he knows very well where public influence now lies.