A glittering state banquet is underway at Windsor Castle as King Charles formally welcomes US President Donald Trump on his second official visit to the UK.
The evening has drawn an international mix of royalty, politicians, and power players from business and technology.
The King entered the grand St George’s Hall with Mr Trump, followed by Queen Camilla with First Lady Melania Trump.
Prince William was paired with Paula Reynolds, the American chair of the UK’s national electricity grid, while Kate Middleton entered alongside Michael Boulous, husband of Tiffany Trump.
Other pairings included Princess Anne with the US ambassador to Britain, Warren Christopher, a wealthy investment banker, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio with Lady Victoria Starmer, the Prime Minister’s wife.
The guest list carried significant global influence. Apple’s Tim Cook, Nvidia chief Jensen Huang, and Blackstone boss Stephen Schwarzman were among the high-profile attendees.
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch also attended, with reports that he was seated next to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s senior adviser, Morgan McSweeney.
Charles used his address to highlight the importance of Western unity.
“Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine, to deter aggression and secure peace,” he said in his state banquet speech.
He linked the present-day threat to democracy with the wartime alliance between Britain and the United States.
“Our countries have the closest defence, security and intelligence relationship ever known,” the King declared.
“Our people have fought and died together for the values we hold dear.”
Without referring to specific wars, Charles commended Mr Trump for his contribution to international diplomacy. He praised the President’s “personal commitment to finding solutions to some of the world’s most intractable conflicts.”
Mr Trump, striking a lighthearted but appreciative tone, referenced the historic nature of his repeat invitation.
“This is my second state visit – something which is a first,” he said.
“Maybe it will also be the last time, I hope it is actually,” he added, drawing laughter across the hall.
Earlier, the UK laid on what it said was the largest military ceremonial welcome for a state visit in living memory and Mr Trump, an overt royal fan.
“It’s a very special place,” Mr Trump said, adding that he loved the UK.
Sir Keir is hoping to use that sentiment to the UK’s advantage as his government seeks to use the trip to cement the two countries’ “special relationship,” deepen economic ties, secure billions of dollars of investment, discuss tariffs and press Mr Trump on Ukraine and Israel.
Companies including Microsoft, Nvidia, Google and OpenAI have already pledged 31 billion pounds ($63 billion) in UK investments over the next few years in AI, quantum computing and civil nuclear energy.
Sir Keir also wants further progress on trade after the UK secured the first deal with Mr Trump to lower some tariffs.
“They want to see if they can refine the trade deal a little bit,” Mr Trump said on Tuesday.
– With Reuters, PA
https://thewest.com.au/news/royal-family/donald-trump-uk-visit-lavish-state-banquet-underway-at-windsor-castle-hosted-by-king-charles-c-20056160
