DONALD Trump praised the relationship between the US and UK last night — and hailed King Charles as a “very, very special man” at the Windsor Castle State banquet.
The King also paid tribute to the ties that bind the two nations together.
Donald Trump praised the special relationship and ‘very, very special man’ King Charles at a lavish State Banquet[/caption]
The President said the King had ‘epitomised the fortitude, nobility and spirit of the British people’[/caption]
Kate speaks to the President[/caption]
Trump also heaped praise onto The Prince and Princess of Wales[/caption]
In his address to guests including politicians and business leaders, Mr Trump said the King had “epitomised the fortitude, nobility and spirit of the British people”.
He recalled how Charles once wrote that he was “entirely motivated by a desperate desire to put the great back into Great Britain”.
Mr Trump added: “He has given his whole heart, everything he’s got to those parts of Britain, that are beyond the realm of mere legislation.”
He also thanked William and Kate, and added: “His Majesty has also raised a remarkable son in His Royal Highness, Prince of Wales, really amazing, we’ve gotten to know you, and I think you’ll be an unbelievable success in the future.”
Mr Trump said he and wife Melania were “delighted to visit again with Prince William and see Princess Catherine, so radiant, so healthy, so beautiful”.
The President hailed the bond between the UK and US and said: “Together, we’ve done more good for humanity than any two countries in all of history.
“Together, we must defend the exceptional heritage that makes us who we are and we must continue to stand for the values and the people of the English-speaking world, and we do indeed stand for that. On behalf of all Americans, I offer a toast to one of the great friendships.”
He said Britain had laid the foundations of free speech.
The Princess of Wales dazzled in a champagne full-length couture gown and Lover’s Knot Tiara as she arrived last night – taking her seat next to the President.
Her gown, by British designer Phillipa Lepley, featured hand-embroidered roses with couched gold cording, accented with French knots and satin-stitched blooms.
Mr Trump capped off the first full day of his historic State visit last night by leading the Royal Procession with Charles into St George’s Hall for the banquet
Queen Camilla, in a sapphire and diamond tiara, and First Lady Melania, in a vibrant yellow off-the-shoulder dress and lilac belt, appeared next.
Then the Princess of Wales walked with Mr Trump’s son-in-law Mark Boulos whose wife Tiffany Trump was in the procession.
He has given his whole heart, everything he’s got to those parts of Britain, that are beyond the realm of mere legislation
Donald Trump
Mr Trump dined with the King on his left and Princess of Wales on his right. In a smooth diplomatic move, guests were served cognac from Mr Trump’s mother’s birth year and a 1945 Vintage Port, in recognition of him as the 45th, as well as the 47th, President.
Guests were “representative of Atlantic relationships” with the list drawn up by the Government, the White House and the Royal Household.
PM Sir Keir Starmer and the most senior members of the Cabinet were present, along with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, and key figures from business.
Mr Trump recalled how Charles once wrote ‘that he was entirely motivated by a desperate desire to put the great back into Great Britain’[/caption]
Rupert Murdoch, Chairman Emeritus, News Corp and owner of The Sun with his wife Elena[/caption]
Rupert Murdoch, Chairman Emeritus of News Corp, owner of The Sun, attended with wife Elena.
Others among the 160 guests included golf legend Sir Nick Faldo, who is a friend of Mr Trump, the heads of MI5 and MI6 and the head of the Met Police.
The King described Mr Trump’s second State visit as a “unique and important occasion” which “reflects the enduring bond between our two great nations”.
He referred to the “special relationship” adding: “We have celebrated together, mourned together and stood together in the best and worst of times.”
The King added: “The ocean may still divide us, but in so many other ways we are now the closest of kin.”
Guests dined on a 47-metre long table, with a starter of Hampshire watercress panna cotta with parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad.
Together, we’ve done more good for humanity than any two countries in all of history
Donald Trump
The mains featured organic Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgettes, with a thyme and savoury infused jus.
And dessert was a vanilla ice cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet interior with lightly poached Victoria plums.
Music played by The Duchess of Edinburgh’s String Orchestra during the banquet included the James Bond Medley, You Can’t Always Get What You Want by the Rolling Stones and Elton John’s Tiny Dancer.
And, in a nod to Mr Trump’s personal tastes, two melodies from West Side Story, The Liberty Bell march, Scottish Dances and three Celtic folk songs.
Prince William and Princess Kate arrive at the event followed closely behind by President Trump’s daughter Tiffany and husband Michael Boulos[/caption]
PM Sir Keir Stamer was also in attendance[/caption]
