In his state banquet address, President Donald Trump subtly targeted Prince Harry with a pointed remark about his brother, Prince William. While praising King Charles III for raising a “remarkable son,” Trump highlighted William’s promising future but conspicuously omitted any mention of Harry, who has stepped away from royal duties and now resides in California with Meghan Markle.
Speaking before King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Princess of Wales, and assembled dignitaries, Trump lavished praise on the Royal Family. He described Prince William as poised for “unbelievable success” and lauded Princess Catherine as “radiant, healthy, and beautiful.” The deliberate exclusion of Harry sparked speculation that Trump was underscoring the Duke of Sussex’s strained relationship with the monarchy.
Though not overtly critical, Trump’s comment served as a subtle reminder of Harry’s absence from royal life. He went on to extol King Charles for preserving “the glorious and unique character of this kingdom,” calling the visit “one of the highest honors of my life” and noting his decades-long respect for Britain.
King Charles reciprocated, emphasizing the “special relationship” between the UK and US, and humorously recalling media attempts to link him romantically to the Nixon family. Both leaders affirmed their nations’ unity in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Trump’s speech, while steeped in admiration for the monarchy, carried a sharp edge with its fleeting jab at Harry. As the first US president to receive a second state visit, Trump quipped it might be his last, adding with a smile, “I hope it is actually.”
The visit began with Prince William and Princess Catherine greeting Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in the Walled Garden at Windsor, escorting them to meet Charles and Camilla. A massive royal standard flew from the Royal Tower, and the group proceeded to the castle in horse-drawn carriages, passing ranks of soldiers, sailors, and aviators.
Inside the Irish State Coach, Trump and Charles chatted amicably, later inspecting an honor guard in the castle quadrangle. Their camaraderie continued throughout the day, with Charles occasionally placing a hand on Trump’s back. During a troop review, Charles gestured for Trump to step forward, avoiding a protocol misstep from 2019 when Trump inadvertently stepped in front of Queen Elizabeth.
