Tensions flared between chefs and the US security team responsible for protecting the US President, a source claims.
The former president, who was wined and dined at a lavish banquet in Windsor Castle on Wednesday, praised the UK-US “special relationship” alongside King Charles. But behind the grandeur of the event, reports claimed tensions briefly flared in the royal kitchens.
According to a source cited by the Daily Mail, the alleged dispute began when members of Mr Trump’s Secret Service detail entered the kitchen to supervise food preparations. The source claimed that the agents, concerned about security, repeatedly checked and even sampled the dishes—frustrating chefs who were attempting to plate three flawless courses for the state banquet.
“Tensions flared between the chefs preparing the meal and the US security team responsible for protecting the President and his entourage,” the source alleged.
The reported confrontation was said to have lasted only a few minutes, with tempers cooling quickly and guests in the main hall remaining “completely unaware” of the row.
However, Buckingham Palace has now firmly denied the story. A Palace spokesperson said:
“This story, and these claims, are categorically untrue.”
The White House and the US Secret Service have yet to comment on the reports.
Despite the rumours, the banquet itself was widely hailed a success. Guests dined on a luxurious menu beginning with Hampshire watercress panna cotta served with parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad.
The main course featured organic Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgettes, served with a thyme and savoury-infused jus. Dessert was a bombe glacée cardinal: a vanilla ice cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet and lightly poached Victoria plums.
The carefully curated wine list included a 2016 sparkling vintage from Wiston Estate, a Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2018, and Ridge Vineyards Montebello 2000. Winston Churchill’s favourite champagne, Pol Roger, was also served. After dinner, guests enjoyed a 1945 vintage port and a 1912 cognac—chosen in honour of the year King Charles’s mother was born.
Rumours of clashes between Trump’s staff and royal aides have long captured public attention during his UK visits. While the Palace has dismissed this latest report, it highlights the scrutiny that state events attract—both for their splendour and for the unseen tensions that may unfold behind the scenes.
