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Royal News

A compliment for Kate and all the honours for Donald Trump as the US State Visit begins

By
17th September 2025
King Charles, Queen Camilla, Donald Trump and Melania Trump stand on a dais in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle for the official welcome ceremony at the start of the US State Visit

The US President told the Princess of Wales she was beautiful in one of his first comments of the historic State Visit to the UK.

As Donald Trump stepped onto the manicured, if damp, lawns of Windsor, he was greeted by Prince William and Kate who were waiting for him at the foot of the steps of his helicopter. After shaking hands with the heir to the throne, he greeted the Princess and appeared to tell her she was ‘so beautiful’.

Donald Trump holds hands with Melania Trump as they leave Marine One at the start of their State Visit and walk across the lawn at Windsor Castle with the Prince and Princess of Wales.
William and Kate began the royal welcome for Donald and Melania Trump (BBC still/ fair use)

Kate’s back was to the cameras as the comments were made but she appeared to bow her head in acknowledgement.

The Prince and Princess of Wales the walked across a lawn with Donald and Melania Trump and headed to Victoria House, a lesser known property on the Windsor estate.

Donald Trump shakes hands with King Charles and places another hand on his shoulder as he talks to him at the start of the US State Visit to the UK
Donald Trump had a warm greeting for King Charles
(Royal Family Instagram still/ fair use)

There, The King and Queen were waiting to greet the US leader and his wife.

Together with the Prince and Princess of Wales, the King and Queen chatted happily with the President and First Lady before the coaches arrived for one of the first spectacular set pieces, the carriage procession to Windsor Castle.

The Irish State Coach approaches Windsor Castle
Military lined the route as the spectacular carriage procession took place (BBC still/ fair use)

President Trump and King Charles travelled in the Irish State Coach, usually only used by the Monarch, with the national anthems of the US and the UK playing as they departed.

Queen Camilla and Melania Trump followed in the Scottish State Coach which was often used by Queen Elizabeth II and which The King and Queen used during the 2024 Trooping the Colour.

The Prince and Princess of Wales chat as they walk across the grass at Windsor before meeting Donald and Melania Trump
The Prince and Princess of Wales took a lead role in the State Visit of US President Donald Trump
(Royal Family Instagram still/ fair use)

The Prince and Princess of Wales were in the third carriage, a semi-State Landau, and were accompanied by the US Ambassador, Warren Stephens, and his wife.

A Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry rode at the front of the carriage procession.

Military formation in front of King Charles and Donald Trump durig the US State Visit
The military parade on the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle began the official welcome
(BBC still/ fair use)

The route took the coaches along Frogmore Drive and the George IV Gateway to the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle. Parts of the route were lined with Armed Forces personnel from the Army, Navy and RAF.

On arrival at the Quadrangle, the national anthems were played again and President and Mrs Trump joined The King and Queen on a dais as the military spread out before them. Donald Trump then inspected a Guard of Honour.

King Charles, Queen Camilla, Donald Trump and Melania Trump stand on a dais in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle for the official welcome ceremony at the start of the US State Visit
Queen Camilla chose royal blue for the start of the US State Visit
(Sgt Rob Kane/ UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025)

There was another chance for him to chat with the Prince and Princess of Wales as he headed inside the castle for lunch with the Royal Family.

Afterwards, it’s understood the President and First Lady had a short, private meeting with William and Kate before their next engagements.

The first day of the State Visit will conclude with a State Banquet.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra.Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024.June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station.June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.