The future monarch looked stylish in a black Windsor tailcoat, complemented by a blue sash and the star of the Order of the Garter. His attire was further decorated with stars symbolizing his roles as a Knight of the Order of the Thistle and a Great Master of the Order of the Bath. Additional honors included four medals marking Queen Elizabeth II’s celebrated Jubilees and King Charles’s coronation. Meanwhile, 55-year-old Melania dazzled in a floor-length yellow gown, accentuated with a pink belt and blue earrings that stood out.

The banquet typically hosts dignitaries, ambassadors, and celebrities, with 160 guests gracing the occasion this Wednesday. King Charles and Queen Camilla radiated joy as they led the gathering, a testament to the alliance and diplomacy between the UK and the US. As Trump and the King exchanged ceremonies, attention was drawn to the prominent women of the evening, leading conversations across the table.

The Princess of Wales, at 43, encharmed attendees in a custom gown by the British designer Phillipa Lepley, accompanied by a hand-embroidered gold lace coat. She adorned herself with heirloom earrings from the late Queen and her favorite Lover’s Knot tiara. Queen Camilla, aged 78, was adorned in sapphires, matching her embroidered Fiona Clare dress, while Melania showcased a contemporary twist in her off-shoulder yellow dress.

The King, while delivering a heartfelt and humorous speech, acknowledged Britain’s ‘wonderful connection’ with the United States. He expressed a sincere welcome to the Trump family at Windsor Castle, emphasizing a ‘remarkable partnership’ between the two nations. The message also carried gravity as the 76-year-old monarch spoke about the ‘tyranny’ currently threatening Europe. Listening attentively, Trump, at 79, agreed as Charles emphasized unity with the United States and allies to support Ukraine and promote peace.

Charles elegantly stated, ‘This occasion is a true reflection of the lasting bond between our great countries.’ He underlined the strong friendship and ‘special’ relationship, which has been cherished and has made both nations more resilient over time. The ties between the two countries have witnessed shared triumphs, grief, and steadfast support through both good and challenging times.

The King did not shy away from referring to the War of Independence, saying: ‘My five times Great Grandfather, King George III, for his part, did not spare his worlds when he spoke of the revolutionary leaders. ‘Today, however, we celebrate a relationship between our two countries that surely neither Washington nor King George III could have possibly imagined. The ocean may still divide us, but in so many other ways we are now the closest of kin.’ He also amusingly referred to how in the 1970s President Richard Nixon, who was said to be ‘obsessed’ with the British Royal Family, tried to arrange a marriage between him and his daughter, Tricia.

‘Had the media succeeded in the 1970s in their own attempt at deepening the special relationship, I might have been married off within the Nixon family!’ he joked. Highlighting cultural, scientific, defence, security, intelligence, military and environmental links between the UK and US, the King concluded by toasting our ‘remarkable bond’ and ‘shared commitment to independence and liberty’. Trump opened his speech by saying ‘this is truly one of the highest honours of my life’. He drew laughter from the hall as he joked that he hoped he would be the only US president to have two state visits.

He then praised the King for raising a ‘remarkable son’ in Prince William, and how Charles knew the names of all of the guests – even those ‘with bad names like XYZ-Q3’. In a speech that appeared to slightly go off-script, the President talked about the beauty of Britain – and of the King. In particular he praised his work with wounded veterans which, he said, ‘was like no-one else’. ‘This was the second state visit and that’s the first and I hope it will be the last time,’ Trump said.

‘If you think about it there’s a lot of presidents and this is the second state visit and that’s the first and maybe that’s going to be the last time. I hope it is. ‘But this is truly one of the highest honours of my life. Such respect for you and your country. ‘For many decades, His Majesty the King has epitomised the fortitude, nobility and the spirit of the British monarchy and the British people. ‘He’s dedicated himself to preserving the glory and unique character of this kingdom.’ He also praised his environment and architectural work over the years, as well as work helping the poor and wounded veterans ‘like nobody else’.

He added: ‘I just wanted to say His Majesty has raised a remarkable son in His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. Really amazing, I have gotten to know you and I think you are going to have unbelievable success in future. Melania and I are delighted to visit again with Prince William and to see her Royal Highness Princess Catherine, so radiant and so healthy, so beautiful.’ Trump also praised the ‘lion-hearted people’ of the UK. Turning back to his pre-written speech he praised Britain’s defence of freedom over the years, and of the cultural and economic legends it had produced. ‘Never been anything like it,’ he said. He went so far as to also praise the legacy of the British Empress – ‘even in a country called America’. And of the relationship between the two countries he added: ‘Special doesn’t even begin to do it justice.’

‘We are like two notes in one chord…. Each beautiful but meant to be played together,’ he said. ‘ The bond of kinship and identity between America and United Kingdom is priceless and eternal, it is irreplaceable and unbreakable. We are as a country are doing unbelievably well. ‘We had a very sick country one year ago and today I believe we are the hottest country anywhere in the world and I believe we owe much of that to you and the footing you gave us when we started.’ The US President, 79, and First Lady Melania were joined by his daughter Tiffany Trump and her business executive husband, Michael Boulos. Tiffany also accompanied her father during the first state visit in 2019, which was then attended by all of his children.