King Charles Praises Trump’s Commitment to Peace as US-UK State Visit Highlights Unity and Ukraine Support
King Charles has praised President Donald Trump’s commitment to tackling “some of the world’s most intractable conflicts,” while urging the United States to stand firmly with Ukraine in the face of “tyranny.” The remarks came during a grand state banquet at Windsor Castle, marking the highlight of Trump’s second official state visit to the United Kingdom.
In response, President Trump celebrated the historic bond between the US and the UK, saying, “The word ‘special’ doesn’t even begin to describe it.”
Royal Banquet at Windsor Castle
The King addressed 160 distinguished guests at the banquet, underscoring the shared values and enduring ties between the two nations. “Our people have fought and died together for the freedoms we hold dear,” he said, reinforcing the importance of cultural, economic, and military partnerships.
Queen Camilla, the Princess of Wales, and US First Lady Melania Trump also attended the evening, which blended royal pageantry with political significance.
The banquet followed a day of ceremonial welcomes, including a carriage procession, an inspection of troops in Windsor’s quadrangle, and private meetings between senior royals and the US presidential couple.
During his speech, Trump praised Prince William, calling him an “unbelievable success in the future,” and described Catherine, Princess of Wales, as “radiant, healthy, and beautiful.”
Political Talks and Diplomatic Symbolism
Beyond the grandeur, the visit quickly shifted from royal spectacle to political diplomacy. Trump is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Chequers for talks and a joint news conference.
The state visit also included symbolic moments of unity:
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King Charles and Trump shared light-hearted exchanges during the ceremonial parade, with the King joking about soldiers’ swords.
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Trump admired the historic St George’s Chapel and examined archival documents related to US independence, calling them “the real deal.”
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The president paid respects to Queen Elizabeth II by laying a wreath at her tomb.
In a traditional exchange of gifts, the UK presented Trump with the Union Flag that flew above Buckingham Palace on his inauguration day in January 2025.
Business, Investment, and Soft Power
State visits are often described as soft power diplomacy—and this one carried significant economic weight. Tech leaders, including Apple’s Tim Cook and OpenAI’s Sam Altman, attended the banquet, highlighting the commercial ties between the two allies.
Coinciding with the visit, US firms announced £150 billion in new investments in the UK, including £22 billion from Microsoft.
Guests dined on Norfolk organic chicken, while media magnate Rupert Murdoch was spotted seated beside Prime Minister Starmer’s adviser, Morgan McSweeney.
A Display of Military Strength and NATO Unity
In one of the largest guard of honour displays ever staged for a state visit, more than 1,300 personnel from the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force took part. The military showcase was designed to underscore Britain’s commitment to NATO and encourage continued US support for Ukraine.
A planned flypast by F-35 fighter jets was cancelled due to weather, but Trump and Starmer watched the Red Arrows soar above Windsor in a display of solidarity.
The president described the visit as one of the “highest honours” of his life.
Protests Outside the Pageantry
Despite the spectacle, demonstrations also took place. Anti-Trump and anti-monarchy groups gathered in London and Windsor, though their protests were kept out of sight from the visiting US delegation.
Graham Smith, chief executive of the anti-monarchy group Republic, said: “It’s time to fix our democracy and defend it from those who might undermine it—whether that be Charles or Trump.”