How King Charles III and the Royal Family Welcomed Donald Trump at Windsor
Military Parade and Lavish Banquet
U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania, began his state visit to the United Kingdom with a landing by helicopter on the lawn of Windsor Castle. They were first greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine.
The 43-year-old Princess of Wales chose a burgundy Emilia Wickstead dress paired with a matching Jane Taylor hat, while 55-year-old Melania Trump appeared before the royal family in a fitted black Dior jacket with a pencil skirt, completing her look with a violet hat.
Soon after, the American guests were received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Following the official welcoming ceremony, a military parade featuring aircraft, including F-35 fighter jets, took place. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also joined the event.
During the meeting, the parties exchanged symbolic gifts. King Charles III presented President Trump with a leather-bound book marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and a flag that had flown above Buckingham Palace on the day of his second inauguration. For Melania Trump, the royal couple selected a silver bowl by Northern Irish artist Cara Murphy and a designer handbag by Anya Hindmarch.
In return, President Trump gifted the King a replica of Dwight Eisenhower’s sword — a symbol of U.S.-U.K. unity during the Second World War — and presented Queen Camilla with a Tiffany brooch in the shape of a flower, encrusted with diamonds and rubies. After the ceremony, Trump and King Charles took a carriage ride through the castle grounds, while Melania and Camilla followed in a separate carriage.
That evening, a grand banquet was held in honor of the American leader. Queen Camilla wore a deep blue Fiona Clare gown embroidered with gemstones, complemented by her Belgian Sapphire Tiara and Cartier jewels.
Melania Trump opted for a floor-length, off-the-shoulder gown in vibrant yellow by Carolina Herrera, cinched at the waist with a wide beige belt. She forwent a necklace but completed the look with striking green gemstone earrings.
The Princess of Wales captivated guests in a cream haute couture gown by Philippa Lepley, paired with her favorite «Cambridge Lover’s Knot» tiara — a historic jewel once owned by Princess Diana. Created by Garrard in 1913, the diadem is adorned with diamonds and 19 hanging pearls set in silver and gold.
The banquet was attended by leaders of major global companies, including Tim Cook (Apple), Demis Hassabis (Google DeepMind), Sam Altman (OpenAI), and Pascal Soriot (AstraZeneca). Technology giants Microsoft, Nvidia, Google, and OpenAI have already pledged £31 billion ($42 billion) in U.K. projects dedicated to artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and civil nuclear energy.
According to the BBC, Trump has become the first U.S. president to make two state visits to the United Kingdom. His first was in 2019, when he was received by Queen Elizabeth II.
Photo: Instagram @theroyalfamily, @princeandprincessofwales
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