King Charles praised President Donald Trump’s personal dedication to global peace efforts and urged continued US support for Ukraine during a state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening.
The monarch, addressing 160 guests at the formal dinner, highlighted the “special relationship” between the United Kingdom and the United States, citing a shared history, cultural ties, and mutual defence commitments. “Our people have fought and died together for the values we hold dear,” the King said.
President Trump responded warmly, saying the term "special relationship" barely captures the depth of the alliance. “The word ‘special’ does not begin to do it justice,” he remarked.
The opulent banquet at Windsor Castle marked the end of a day of elaborate ceremony and political symbolism, underscoring the strength of transatlantic ties. It came as part of President Trump’s second official state visit to the UK—a rare honour showcasing diplomatic goodwill.
The day began with full royal pageantry. Trump and First Lady Melania were greeted by the King, Queen Camilla, and a host of senior royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, at Windsor Castle’s quadrangle. The US President inspected the largest guard of honour ever assembled for a state visit, with 1,300 personnel from the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force participating.
The Prince and Princess of Wales hosted a private meeting with the Trumps described as “warm and friendly.” In his speech, President Trump lauded Prince William as an “unbelievable success in the future” and described Princess Catherine as “radiant, so healthy, and so beautiful.”
As the ceremonial proceedings unfolded, Trump and King Charles shared a series of friendly moments, including a light exchange where the King appeared to caution the president about the proximity of a soldier’s sword during the parade. Trump also showed admiration for Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel and called historical US documents in the Royal Collection “the real deal.”
A notable moment in the day was the president laying a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb, in a personal gesture of respect to the late monarch, whom he has long admired.
As part of the diplomatic rituals, official gifts were exchanged. The UK presented Trump with the Union Flag that flew over Buckingham Palace on his inauguration day in January 2025.
The banquet also reflected broader diplomatic and economic goals. Rather than celebrity guests, the event featured influential business leaders such as Apple CEO Tim Cook and OpenAI’s Sam Altman. A key announcement of £150 billion in US investment into the UK accompanied the state visit, including £22 billion from Microsoft.
Press baron Rupert Murdoch was seated beside Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s adviser, Morgan McSweeney, during a dinner that featured Norfolk organic chicken as the main course.
Beyond diplomacy and trade, King Charles also used the occasion to advocate for environmental preservation. “We have a precious opportunity to safeguard and restore the wonders and beauty of nature for the generations who follow us,” he said.
The royal spectacle resonated with President Trump, who described the state visit as one of the “highest honours” of his life.
The visit continues Thursday, transitioning from ceremonial grandeur to political dialogue. Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales will accompany First Lady Melania Trump for engagements, while the president will travel to Chequers for bilateral talks and a joint press conference with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Despite poor weather grounding a planned flypast by F-35 fighter jets, the Red Arrows performed a flyover at Windsor, witnessed by Trump and Starmer. The military display was widely interpreted as a message from the UK government to encourage continued US commitment to NATO and support for Ukraine amid growing global tensions.
Source: BBC News
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