United States President Donald Trump showered Princess Catherine with praise during a glittering state banquet at Windsor Castle, calling her “radiant” and “so beautiful” as he marked his historic second state visit to the United Kingdom.
The Prince and Princess of Wales welcomed the President and First Lady on the lawns of Windsor Castle shortly after Marine One touched down. Lip readers reported that as Trump shook Catherine’s hand, he told her she looked “so beautiful.”
A Radiant Appearance
The Waleses later joined the Trumps for both a private lunch and a formal banquet inside the castle. Addressing the room, President Trump remarked: “Melania and I are delighted to visit again with Prince William and to see Her Royal Highness, Princess Catherine, so radiant and so healthy; it’s so beautiful. It’s really a great honour, thank you.”
Catherine captivated the guests in a gold lace gown designed by Phillipa Lepley, featuring hand-embroidered Chantilly lace. She paired the gown with the historic Lover’s Knot Tiara, originally crafted in 1914 for Queen Mary by Garrard and famously worn by Princess Diana at some of her most iconic appearances.
During the banquet, the Princess of Wales was seated at the President’s right, while Prince William sat opposite alongside Melania Trump.
Trump’s Previous Encounters with Catherine
This wasn’t the first time Trump had met Princess Catherine. He was introduced to her during his 2019 state visit, when she was still the Duchess of Cambridge.
Trump later kept a personal photo album of that royal occasion aboard his campaign plane throughout his successful 2024 presidential run, often recalling the “beautiful” members of the royal family.
The King’s Warm Speech
King Charles also addressed guests during the banquet, commending Trump for his determination in “finding solutions to some of the world’s most intractable conflicts.”
The King described the moment as a “new era” in the relationship between the UK and the US, sprinkling his remarks with humour and personal touches. He joked about Britain’s “splendid golf courses” and even referenced how the American press once tried to match him with President Nixon’s daughter, Tricia, in the 1970s.
A Deep Connection with the Royals
Trump’s admiration for the British royal family is said to have been influenced by his late mother, Mary Anne Trump. Born in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland before emigrating to New York, she instilled in him a deep respect for the monarchy.
The President’s second state visit was itself historic. It followed a personal invitation extended by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who delivered the King’s message during a February meeting at the White House.
Trump appeared visibly touched by the gesture, remarking: “That says at Windsor; that’s really something.”