US President Donald Trump began his rare second UK state visit Wednesday with full royal honours at Windsor Castle, where King Charles III hosted a lavish day of ceremonies, tributes, and banquets. From military pageantry to fashion statements and symbolic banqueting touches, the visit highlighted the “special relationship” between Britain and America.
Here are the key takeaways from Day 1:
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ROYAL WELCOME AT WINDSOR
Trump was greeted with full military honours at Windsor Castle, including mounted troops and 1,300 soldiers — the largest guard of honour in living memory — before privately paying tribute at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb.
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KING CHARLES PRAISES ALLIANCE
At the banquet, King Charles hailed the US-UK defense partnership and emphasized unity against Russia’s war in Ukraine, while also commending Trump’s diplomatic efforts and his commitment to finding solutions for global conflicts.
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TRUMP LAUDS SPECIAL BOND
Trump described US-UK ties as priceless and eternal, likening them to “two verses of the same poem.” He contrasted his leadership with Joe Biden’s, saying America is now the hottest country anywhere in the world.
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PRAISE FOR ROYALS AND HUMOUR
In his toast, Trump praised Prince William as remarkable and Princess Kate as so radiant. He jokingly marveled at King Charles’s memory of guests’ names, adding levity to the grand banquet atmosphere.
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A SINGULAR PRIVILEGE
Calling the visit “one of the highest honors” of his life, Trump joked he hoped no future US president receives the same rare second state visit distinction.
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KING’S TOAST ON SHARED HISTORY
Charles highlighted centuries of shared US-UK history, joking George Washington and King George could never have imagined today’s bond. He even noted Trump’s fondness for golf, referencing Britain’s “splendid golf courses.”
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KATE’S COUTURE AND DIANA’S TIARA
Princess Kate dazzled in a gold-embroidered gown by British designer Phillipa Lepley and Princess Diana’s Lover’s Knot Tiara. Trump, seated beside her, praised her as radiant, healthy, and beautiful during the evening banquet.
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ELITE BANQUET GUEST LIST
Guests included Apple’s Tim Cook, Google DeepMind’s Demis Hassabis, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot, golfer Nick Faldo, and Rupert Murdoch, whose presence drew attention as Trump is suing him for $10 billion.
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SYMBOLIC DRINKS AND MENU
The banquet featured symbolic drinks like the “Transatlantic Whisky Sour” and rare vintages linked to Trump’s presidency and family history. Dinner included organic Norfolk chicken and a raspberry sorbet ice cream bombe dessert.
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PLAYLIST WITH TRUMP FAVOURITES
The evening playlist mixed British staples like the James Bond theme with Trump rally favorites such as Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer,” the Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” and operatic classics.
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