By Katherine Tinsley
3:32pm PDT, Sep 16, 2025
_
While welcoming Queen Elizabeth II, George W. Bush mistakenly referred to America's 200th anniversary as 1766. "The American people are proud to welcome Your Majesty back to the United States, a nation you've come to know very well," Bush began.
"After all, you've dined with 10 U.S. presidents," he added. "You helped our nation celebrate its bicentennial in 17 — in 1976."
_
When Queen Elizabeth II's spoke, she joked about George W. Bush's blunder. "Mr. President, I wondered whether I should start this toast saying, 'When I was here in 1776,' but I don't think I will," Her Majesty said.
_
George W. Bush, who is known for his sense of humor, was impressed by Queen Elizabeth II's comedic timing. "Your Majesty, I can't top that one," Bush admitted.
_
Queen Elizabeth II's time with George W. Bush was her final trip to the U.S., as King Charles III took her place at George H.W. Bush's funeral in 2018.
