King Charles and President Trump celebrated the enduring ties between the United Kingdom and the United States during a state banquet at Windsor Castle, where both leaders praised the long-standing partnership and urged unity in addressing global challenges.
In his address, the King commended Trump’s personal effort in seeking peace, describing his “commitment to finding solutions to some of the world’s most intractable conflicts” as vital.
He also appealed for Washington’s continued backing of Ukraine, calling for solidarity in the face of “tyranny.”
The President, in his response, said the phrase “special relationship” did not fully capture the closeness of the two nations, adding that the historic bond had been tested and proven across generations.
“Our people have fought and died together for the values we hold dear,” said the King, underlining shared sacrifices.
The Windsor Castle banquet, attended by 160 guests, blended royal tradition and diplomatic intent. Senior members of the royal family, including Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales, joined the event alongside First Lady Melania Trump.
The evening was also marked by the presence of global business figures such as Apple’s Tim Cook and OpenAI’s Sam Altman, reflecting the strong economic dimension of the visit.
Earlier in the day, the president and first lady arrived at Windsor in ornate carriages and were received with full military honours, featuring the largest ever guard of honour for a state visit, involving 1,300 service personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The Prince and Princess of Wales welcomed them warmly, hosting a private meeting described as “friendly.”
Trump expressed admiration for the royal family during his speech, praising Prince William as destined for “unbelievable success in the future” and describing Catherine as “radiant and so healthy and so beautiful.”
He also shared lighter moments with the King while reviewing the ceremonial parade, at one point being warned humorously to watch out for a soldier’s sword.
During the castle tour, Trump showed particular enthusiasm in St George’s Chapel, remarking “What a place, what a place.”
Viewing historic documents linked to America’s independence, he declared, “The real deal.” He also paid his respects at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb, laying a wreath in tribute.
Symbolic exchanges took place during the visit, including the gift of the flag that had flown above Buckingham Palace on the day of Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.
The visit carried a strong diplomatic and economic agenda. Alongside the pageantry, announcements were made of £150 billion in US investment into the UK, including £22 billion from Microsoft.
Guests at the banquet, seated for a main course of Norfolk organic chicken, included press baron Rupert Murdoch, who sat next to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s adviser Morgan McSweeney.
The King also stressed environmental responsibility, highlighting the “precious opportunity to safeguard and to restore the wonders and beauty of nature for the generations who follow us.”
The day’s events concluded with a Red Arrows flypast watched by Trump and Starmer, though a planned display by F-35 jets was cancelled due to weather.
The president described the state visit as one of the “highest honours” of his life, as the royal spectacle moved toward formal talks at Chequers, the prime minister’s country residence.
