Royal Recap: State Banquet at Windsor Castle with President Trump

That's all for today but thank you for joining us on our royal updates. Tomorrow join us for all the royal news from 18 September, as US President Donald Trump continues his second state visit to the UK and his wife, Melania, heads out with Princess Kate

President Trump said of the special relationship, “seen from American eyes, the word special does not begin to do it justice.” 

The US leader also heaped praise on the King describing his as a “very, very special man”, listing a catalogue of his passions from the environment to architecture during a banquet staged in his honour to mark Mr Trump’s second historic state visit.
The President, whose speechwriter Ross Worthington was among guests at the banquet, added: “We're joined by history and faith, by love and language and by transcendent times of culture, tradition, ancestry and destiny. We're like two notes in one chord or two verses of a poem. Pieces of the same part, each beautiful on its own, but really meant to be played together.

“The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless, eternal. It's irreplaceable and unbreakable.”

In his own toast, the King paid tribute to the “special relationship” saying the UK and US are now the “closest of kin”.

He said: “Our people have fought and died together for the values we hold dear. We have innovated, traded and created together, fuelling our economies and cultures through myriad forms of exchange. We have celebrated together, mourned together and stood together in the best and worst of times.”

He told Mr Trump: “The ocean may still divide us, but in so many other ways we are now the closest of kin. Mr President, you have spoken of your pride in your British roots. In fact, not only have you set foot on British soil twice in the last two months alone, but I understand that British soil makes for rather splendid golf courses.”

Praising the “ingenuity of the American people,” he reflected on more than 20 visits to the United States, saying, “I have cherished the close ties between the British and American peoples.

“In fact, had the media succeeded in the 1970s in their own attempt at deepening the special relationship, I myself might have been married off within the Nixon family!”

The King was referring to the feverish speculation about a romance that followed after he escorted President Richard Nixon’s daughter Tricia to a White House dinner in July 1970.

HELLO's! royal correspondent Emily Nash reports that President Trump lavished praise on the King, Queen and Prince and Princess of Wales in his toast and described his second State Visit as “truly one of the highest honours of my life.”

He described Prince William as “remarkable” and Kate as “so radiant, and so healthy and so beautiful,” while calling Camilla a “very, very special Queen.”

He said: “I just want to say that His Majesty has also raised a remarkable son in His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, really amazing. We've gotten to know you, and I think you are going to have an unbelievable success in future.

“Melania and I are delighted to visit again with Prince William and to see Her Royal Highness, Princess Catherine, so radiant and so healthy and so beautiful.” Turning to Kate, who was sat to his right, he added, “it’s true, beautiful.”

Reflecting on his unprecedented second State Visit to the UK, he joked that he hoped this would be “the last time” anyone was invited a second time.

And then turning to the King, he said: “For many decades, His Majesty the King, has epitomized the fortitude nobility and the spirit of the British monarchy and the British people.

“He's dedicated himself to preserving the glory and unique character of this kingdom, restoring life to the rivers and streams, supporting the works of its artists and composers, planting trees and gardens in its countryside -  and I just visited one of the most beautiful I've ever seen that you just completed - and protecting the architectural integrity of cities, villages and towns.”

He continued: “He has uplifted the poor, cared for rural farms, and tended to wounded veterans like nobody else.”
There as laughter as the President revealed: “I'll tell you that I just stood in line and shook about 150 hands, and the King knew every single person and every single company, and some of them had bad names, like x, y, z, dash q, 3, and he knew every one of them, or at least I think he did, because nobody was complaining.”

King Charles, who for decades has championed environmental issues, urged Trump, whose base has long suggested climate change is a hoax, to consider importance of protecting the environment in his speech given at the banquet. Per PA, the King said the legacy of both nations over the "next 250 years and beyond" is to ensure future generations can experience "natural treasures". 

"In striving for a better world, we also have a precious opportunity to safeguard and to restore the wonders and beauty of nature for the generations who follow us," he said. "We share the ambition, and determination, to preserve our majestic lands and waters; above all, to ensure that we have clean water, clean air and clean food."

Rupert Murdoch — who recently settled his infamous succession plan, appointing his son Lachlan Murdoch as the one who will take control of a new family trust in a deal worth $3.3 billion — is in attendance at the state banquet tonight. Though his many media outlets have long been favorable of Trump, the president is currently suing the Wall Street Journal, which Murdoch owns, after its bombshell report on a lewd letter Trump allegedly gifted notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for his birthday. Trump denied that it's his signatures and per CNN, said at the time of the report that he personally warned Murdoch he'd sue if the newspaper published it. They did (more similar letters were later also released in a birthday book made public as part of the infamous Epstein files) and he subsequently filed a lawsuit seeking $20 billion in damages.

Per HELLO!’s royal correspondent Emily Nash, the music being played by the Duchess of Edinburgh's String Orchestra includes classical pieces such as Puccini's “Nessun Dorma” and Handel's “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” along with the Rolling Stones hit “You Can't Always Get What You Want” and Sir Elton John's “Tiny Dancer.” Celtic folk songs and Scottish Dances also featured, with a James Bond Medley, and tracks from the musicals Cabaret and West Side Story.

Dinner will be brought to a close with a performance by Pipe Major John Mitchell of 1st Battalion The Scots Guards. The musical programme is thought to reflect the President's own playlist, which includes the Adele song “Skyfall” from the James Bond film of the same name, “Nessun Dorma,” as performed by Luciano Pavarotti and Schubert's “Ave Maria.”

HELLO!’s royal correspondent Emily Nash reports that the wine list at the banquet consists of a 2016 Wiston Estate Cuvée; a 2018 Domaine Bonneau de Martray, Corton-Charlemagne, Grand Cru; a Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello from 2000; and a 1998 Pol Roger, Extra Cuvée de Réserve.

After dinner, in a nod to Trump having been the 45th as well as the 47th President of the United States, guests will be served Warre’s 1945 Vintage Port; Hennessy 1912 Cognac Grande Champagne - to reflect the year of the President's mother Mary Anne MacLeod's birth - and Bowmore Queen’s Cask 1980, Islay, a gift to the late Queen Elizabeth in 1980, which was bottled for her Golden Jubilee in 2002.

Moreover, in keeping with a new tradition started by the King, the royal household's in-house mixologist has created the Transatlantic Whisky Sour, which blends the smoky depth of Johnnie Walker Black with the bright citrus of marmalade and is "crowned with a pecan foam and garnished with a toasted marshmallow set on a star-shaped biscuit, evoking the warmth of a fireside S’more".

Guests at tonight's State Banquet will dine on Hampshire Watercress Panna Cotta with Parmesan Shortbread and Quail Egg Salad, Organic Norfolk Chicken Ballotine wrapped in Courgettes, with a Thyme and Savoury Infused Jus and Vanilla Ice Cream Bombe with Kentish Raspberry Sorbet interior and lightly poached Victoria Plums, HELLO!’s royal correspondent Emily Nash writes.

The 47.32 metre-long table - equivalent to the length of two Marine One helicopters laid end to end - took a week to build and is set with 1,452 pieces of cutlery and 139 candles in silver gilt candelabra. More than 100 staff are in place to serve the 160 guests invited by the Government and Royal Household, with the final seating plan having been approved by the King. 

Floral arrangements in shades of pink, red and yellow have been created using handpicked seasonal flowers and herbs from the gardens at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park. Afterwards they will be donated to the charity Floral Angels, which delivers to hospices, care homes, shelters and other community organisations.

The president was treated to a flypast by the Red Arrows on the east lawn at Windsor Castle. 

Crowds of spectators outside Windsor Castle cheered as the Red Arrows flew over the royal residence.A small group of people shouted “U.S.A” as red, white and blue smoke filled the skies above Windsor Castle during the flypast. 

Donald  reached over to the King and gently patted him on the arm after the Red Arrows went over.The King and Queen and US president and first lady all looked up as the aircraft flew over. They then applauded and the president smiled and leaned towards Charles, spoke to him and patted him on the arm. The pair then spoke to military personnel who were sat on their left while Camilla and Melania Trump spoke to those on the other side.

We'll be covering the big night at Windsor Castle and all of the updates from it here, but be sure to also visit our additional coverage below for more photos and special details of the event.

Melania Trump wore a sunflower-hued crepe column gown by Carolina Herrera for the lavish white-tie state banquet held at Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening. The gown featured an off-the-shoulder neckline, and was cinched at the waist with a wide, bright lilac silk belt, complete with a matching fabric-covered buckle. The look was accessorised with lilac frosted velvet pumps by Manolo Blahnik.

The Prince and Princess of Wales marked the beginning of tonight's festivities with an Instagram post highlighting their fashion for the night. The Prince is wearing a Windsor tail coat in accord with the event's white tie dress code, while the Princess is wearing a couture gown by British designer Phillipa Lepley featuring a full-length, hand-embroidered gold Chantilly lace evening coat over a silk crepe gown. The coat features hand-embroidered roses with couched gold cording, accented with French knots and satin-stitched blooms.

A group of 200 military musicians will performed a rendition of Beating Retreat on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle, watched by spectators including UK and US military personnel and military families. Beating Retreat is a military spectacle and ceremony that originated in the early years of organised warfare and symbolises the end of the day when camp gates were closed and ceremonial flags were lowered. It takes place on Horse Guards Parade every year in June, when the salute is taken by a member of the Royal Family. 

When gathered at Windsor on Wednesday, Queen Camilla spoke with Melania Trump, but Princess Kate arrives mid conversation.

According to lip reading expert Nicola Hickling, Kate, addressing Melania with warmth, remarked: “Your Macintosh is the same one I have, I wear it each time I fly," the future Queen said of Melania's Burberry mack. Melania responded with equal enthusiasm: “I know, it’s exceptional and such a comfort. Sometimes I wear it to the house.”

Melania later added: “Sometimes when I come, I don’t want to go back.” Her words hint at a fond attachment, perhaps alluding to the family’s Scottish home or a place of retreat.

Kensington Palace said the meeting between William, Kate and the Trumps was “warm and friendly” and took place inside Windsor Castle.

No details of what was discussed by the two couples has been released by the Palace.

After a brief tour of the chapel, during which they were shown Henry VIII's vault and Sir Winston Churchill's stall plate denoting his membership of the Order of the Garter, Donald said: "This was a great honour."

It's understood that the joint F-35 flypast can no longer go ahead due to poor weather. The Red Arrows are still expected to make an appearance over Windsor.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife, Lady Starmer, joined President Trump and Melania to watch the Beating Retreat military ceremony on the East Lawn at Windsor Castle.

The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and Lady Starmer, arrived at the East Lawn, joining assembled British and US military families. His Majesty the King accompanied by the President of the United States left the castle on foot for the East Lawn. Her Majesty the Queen accompanied by the First Lady  arrived by car.T he Massed Bands of the Royal Marines, the Coldstream Guards and the Royal Air Force with the Old Guard Fifes and Drums from the US Army Band were on parade when Their Majesties, the President and the First Lady arrived.

Donald Trump declared it a "great honour" to visit the royal chapel where the late Queen Elizabeth II is buried, after paying his respects at her tomb.

The US president and First Lady Melania spent around 10 minutes privately at the late monarch’s final resting place during the first day of their state visit to the UK.

They laid a wreath at her tomb, before emerging into the nave of St George’s Chapel to listen to a performance by some young members of the choir and taking a tour of the centuries-old gothic building.The president had previously described Queen Elizabeth II in her lifetime as “a spectacular woman” and someone he had a good rapport with.

At St George's Chapel, the couple will be taking a private tour of the historic space and laying a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II's grave. They will then hear a performance by a group of young choristers and have a tour of the chapel, which is the resting place of 11 monarchs, including Henry VIII.

The President and First Lady headed out from Windsor Castle by car for St George's Chapel. They were welcomed on arrival by the Dean of Windsor, the Rt Rev Christopher Cocksworth and the Chapter Clerk, Miss Charlotte Manley. 

Princess Kate gave us a little style switch-up today. She started out in her Jane Taylor 'Neso' hat, her hair in soft waves with the top pinned back to keep it in place. Later on, off came the hat and on went a big velvet bow, with her hair swept neatly away from her face - a simple change that made a big difference.

Over on The HELLO! Royal Club our royal editor, Emily Nash, has just filed a video report with her thoughts on the first few hours of the state visit. Click on the button below to watch the video and also have your say in the comments.

The Prince and Princess of Wales joined US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, where they were shown items from the Royal Collection during the US President's State Visit.

As part of his state visit to the UK, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are welcomed by King Charles and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. The foursome viewed historical items from the Royal Collection in the Green Drawing Room. 

Following their warm welcome, the Prince and Princess of Wales have released a new montage to greet the US President and First Lady. The royal couple's message on social media read simply: "Welcome President Trump [United States of America and United Kingdom fag emojis]."

Today's pomp and circumstance stand in stark contrast to yesterday when the royal bade a final goodbye to the Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral. HELLO!'s Lucy Norris was on the ground for The HELLO! Royal Club and filed a video report featuring interviews with mourners and all the important moments from a subdued and sombre day. 

The Trumps, Queen Camilla and King Charles have exchanged gifts. Their majesties gifted the president a hand bound leather volume specially crafted by the Royal Bindery in Windsor Castle, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He was also gifted the The Union Flag that flew above Buckingham Palace on the day of his inauguration earlier this year.

Meanwhile, they gifted Melania a silver and enamel bowl, crafted by Northern Irish artist, Cara Murphy which features Her Majesty's cypher. She was also gifted a bespoke Anya Hindmarch handbag.

The Trumps also brought thoughtful gifts for Their Majesties. King Charles has been gifted a replica of a President Eisenhower sword, symbolising the historic partnership between the two country's in achieving a combined victory during WWII. Camilla has been gifted a Tiffany & Co. Vintage 18K Gold diamond and ruby flower brooch. The piece symbolises friendship between the two women as the Queen's birthstone is rubies meanwhile Melania's is diamonds.

While the royals and Trumps adjourn for the lunch, for a bit of light relief, why not have a go at HELLO!’s aptly themed quiz exploring Trump's history with the UK royal family. Answers can be found below, though I won't tell you how many questions I got right...

1. Which royal did Trump call "really handsome" after they met in December 2024?

a) King Charles

b) Prince Harry

c) Prince William

d) Duke of Edinburgh

2. Donald Trump provoked outrage after defending the paparazzi for taking photos of which nude sunbathing royal in 2012?

a) Zara Tindall

b) Princess Kate

c) Princess Beatrice

d) Princess Eugenie

3. To whom did Trump allegedly send flowers?

a) Princess Kate

b) Meghan Markle

c) Queen Camilla

d) Princess Diana

4. Which royal who spoke critically of him in 2016 did Trump describe as "nasty"?

a) Queen Camilla

b) Princess Kate

c) Duchess Sophie

d) Meghan Markle

5. Which former royal staff member did Trump allegedly try to hire, according to royal author Andrew Morton?

a) Miguel Head

b) Rebecca Deacon

c) Paul Burrell

d) Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton

Answers: 1c, 2b. 3d, 4d, 5c

Donald Trump tends not to do things by halves, and there are certainly no half measures taken when it comes to his lifelong love of the royals. Over on The HELLO! Royal Club Katie Fitzpatrick explores the roots of the POTUS's regal infatuation, and reveals the occasion when this infatuation reportedly became all too literal for one beloved late royal. You will need to be a member of the club to read the post in the full.