Day two of Donald Trump’s historic second state visit to the United Kingdom is underway — and once again, his approach to royal traditions is raising eyebrows.
From what commentators have called “wildly inappropriate” remarks to Kate Middleton at a state banquet, to striding ahead of King Charles in Windsor gardens, and even arriving late to an engagement, royal watchers have been quick to dissect the President’s apparent protocol missteps.
The visit itself is notable; most U.S. presidents are invited for only one state visit during their time in office, making Trump’s second trip across the Atlantic highly unusual.
Early Ties to the Royals in the 1980s
Trump’s complicated history with the Royal Family stretches back to the 1980s, when he was climbing the ranks of New York real estate.
Between 1981 and 1983, reports surfaced claiming Princess Diana and Prince Charles were considering a $5 million condo in Trump Tower. Buckingham Palace quickly dismissed the speculation, saying there was “no truth” to it.
Later, Trump was accused of spreading the rumor himself to drum up publicity for his new skyscraper. In his 1987 book The Art of the Deal, he admitted he had “refused to confirm or deny the rumour” when asked, but acknowledged that the buzz helped draw attention to the tower.
Princess Diana and Trump’s Pursuit
Trump’s fascination with Princess Diana didn’t stop there. After her split from Charles, he reportedly sent her an abundance of flowers. According to her friend Selina Scott, Diana was “creeped out” by the gesture.
Then, just three years after her death, Trump sparked outrage with comments he made during a 2000 interview with Howard Stern. Asked whether he would have slept with Diana, Trump replied: “Without even hesitation. She was truly beautiful and people don’t realise how beautiful.”
He added, “She was crazy, but these are minor details.”
Years later, Trump softened his stance. In a 2016 interview with Piers Morgan, he insisted: “I did respect her, but no interest from that standpoint. But I did meet her once, and I thought she was lovely.”
Critical Remarks About Other Royals
Trump’s controversial remarks haven’t been limited to Diana. He has been openly critical of other female royals.
He once branded Meghan Markle “terrible” and “nasty,” while Meghan described him as “divisive” and “misogynistic” during his 2016 presidential campaign.
In 2012, he commented on Kate Middleton’s privacy being invaded when topless photos of her sunbathing in France surfaced. Trump said at the time: “Kate Middleton is great – but she shouldn’t be sunbathing in the nude – only herself to blame.”