Donald Trump described being the first US president to receive a second British state visit as “one of the highest honours of my life” during a royal banquet at Windsor Castle.
The state dinner on Wednesday evening capped off a day of grandeur, including a carriage procession, military parade and royal engagements.
Banquet with the King and Princess of Wales
Seated between King Charles and the Princess of Wales, the president expressed gratitude for the royal family’s hospitality.
“This is truly one of the highest honours of my life, such respect for you and such respect for your country,” Mr Trump told the 160 guests.
He hailed the occasion as a “singular privilege” and praised the monarch’s “extraordinary graciousness”.
King Charles Speaks on Ukraine, Trade and Climate
In his address, King Charles drew on history, recalling how Britain and America “fought together to defeat the forces of tyranny” in two world wars.
He said the allies once again stand united as “tyranny threatens Europe”, pledging support for Ukraine.
The King also highlighted UK-US trade ties, noting their “vast potential for growth”, and called for renewed focus on protecting the environment for future generations.
Adding levity, he joked about how “our forefathers from 1776” might react to the modern-day friendship, prompting laughter from the US president.
Red Arrows, Wreath for Queen Elizabeth II
Earlier in the day, Mr Trump and King Charles attended a military parade at Windsor Castle, complete with a Red Arrows flyover.
The president and First Lady Melania Trump also laid a wreath at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II in St George’s Chapel, paying tribute to the late monarch.
Guests Include Tech Titans and UK Leaders
The Windsor banquet was attended by senior royals, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and top American technology executives.
Apple’s Tim Cook, OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella were among the guests, as the UK and US announced a multibillion-pound technology deal.
Sir Keir is expected to hold talks with Mr Trump at Chequers on Thursday.
French Menu and Time-Honoured Traditions
Photos released before the banquet showed an opulent dining hall with a French-language menu, maintaining a tradition dating back to the Norman Conquest of the 11th century.
Trump Calls UK-US Bond ‘Unbreakable’
In his closing remarks, Mr Trump said the alliance between Britain and America is “priceless and eternal”.
“Seen from American eyes, the word special does not begin to do it justice,” he said. “The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is irreplaceable and unbreakable.”
The president also praised the King’s family, describing Prince William as a “remarkable son” and calling Princess Catherine “radiant, healthy and beautiful”.
He then contrasted America’s fortunes under his leadership with that of former president Joe Biden, declaring: “We had a very sick country one year ago, and today I believe we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world.”
