King Charles III urged the defense of Ukraine and the environment as he welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump and top tech and finance executives for a lavish state dinner at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.

"Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine to deter aggression,” the king said while offering a toast at the event, capping a day of pageantry designed to strengthen a U.S.-U.K. alliance enduring economic and security headwinds.

"In striving for a better world, we also have a precious opportunity to safeguard and restore the wonders and beauty of nature for the generations who follow us,” Charles continued.