The Queen spoke of the “longstanding friendship” between the U.K. and the U.S this evening as she hosted President Trump at a lavish state banquet. Her Majesty and the President both made speeches at the start of the white tie dinner in the Buckingham Palace ballroom at the end of the first day of the three-day state visit. The banquet was also attended by Prince Charles and Camilla, and Prince William and Kate with the senior royal ladies all wearing white gowns, and Kate choosing the Lover’s Knot tiara which was a favorite of Princess Diana’s.
“Visits by American presidents always remind us of the close and longstanding friendship between the United Kingdom and the United States, and I am so glad that we have another opportunity to demonstrate the immense importance that both our countries attach to our relationship,” the Queen said, addressing the 170 guests.
She went on to speak of how the two countries’ armed forces have worked together, adding: “After the shared sacrifices of the Second World War, Britain and the United States worked with other allies to build an assembly of international institutions, to ensure that the horrors of conflict would never be repeated. While the world has changed, we are forever mindful of the original purpose of these structures: nations working together to safeguard a hard won peace.”
She also referenced Trump’s Scottish ancestry. “I am confident that our common values and shared interests will continue to unite us,” she said.
Trump used his speech to praise Britain’s efforts during the war and also recalled the Queen’s efforts as a young mechanic during the war.
“In April 1945, newspapers featured a picture of the queen mother visiting the woman's branch of the army, watching a young woman repair a military truck engine. That young mechanic was the future queen, a great, great woman,” he said.
The President spoke of the Queen’s “truly remarkable reign” and said, “She has embodied the spirit of dignity, duty, and patriotism that beats proudly in every British heart.”
Following his speech, Trump appeared to reach out and touch the Queen’s shoulder as they stood for the toast in what might be viewed by some as a protocol breach. She stared straight ahead during his speech but turned slightly towards him and appeared to smile as they stood.
During dinner, the President was seated between the Queen and Prince Charles, while his wife Melania had Charles on her right and the Lord Speaker on her left. To Trump’s right sat Camilla who was also seated next to the U.S. Ambassador to Britain Woody Johnson.
William and Kate were at either end of the top of the table. The horseshoe-shaped table was decorated with huge bouquets of roses, mixed peonies, sweet peas, larkspur, and mixed foliage in shades of summer pink. Other decor included more than 100 ivory-colored candles and displays of seasonal fruit.
Four out of Trump’s five children were invited to the banquet, and were seated with guests including members of the government, the diplomatic corps, and other notable figures connected with the visiting nation.
Trump's eldest daughter and senior adviser Ivanka took her seat with Sophie, Countess of Wessex to her right and the U.K Secretary of State for International Trade, Liam Fox, to her left. Her husband Jared Kushner was seated with Princess Anne to his right and the Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, to his left. Trump’s other children Eric, Donald Jr., and Tiffany were also at the table. Trump’s staff including Kellyanne Conway and Sara Huckabee Sanders were guests alongside royal staff including Kate’s private secretary Catherine Quinn, and Prince Charles’s private secretary Clive Alderton.
Also present at the event was Rose Hanbury, Marchioness of Cholmondeley, who was previously seated next to Prince Harry at the Spanish State Banquet in 2017. She and her husband David, who holds the title the Lord Great Chamberlain, have a home near William and Kate in Norfolk.
This evening's 170 guests were treated to a menu starting with steamed fillet of halibut with watercress mousse, asparagus spears, and chervil sauce. This was followed by saddle of new season Windsor lamb, with herb stuffing, spring vegetables and port sauce. Dessert was strawberry sable with lemon verbena cream followed by a selection of assorted fresh fruits, then coffee and petit fours. Wine on offer included Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1990, wine from the Windsor Great Park vineyard and English quality sparkling wine.
The Queen keeps a close eye on preparations for a state banquet, approving the menu, guest list, and seating plan, and inspecting the table personally beforehand.
Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures, released in 2021.
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