Last night, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were guests of honour at the US Ambassador’s residence, Winfield House, for a black-tie dinner hosted by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. Their Royal Highnesses attended on behalf of Her Majesty.
The dinner was a much smaller affair than the previous evening’s state banquet as this gathering only had 60 people, including dignitaries from both the UK and US, who dined on a three-course meal.
The First Lady was heavily involved in the planning of the dinner which featured fillet of beef, celeriac and chantenay carrots, and homemade vanilla ice cream with berries. American wines from Northern California’s the Iron Horse winery were also served; however, the President, who abstains from alcohol, drank a diet coke.
The President and First Lady welcomed the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall outside the residence and briefly posed for photographers before making their way inside. Once inside, the couples broke off with the Duchess going to chat with the First Lady and wife of the American ambassador while the future king spoke with Trump. Later, the Prince was sat at the table with Mr Trump, while the Duchess dined with Mrs Trump.
Both Prince Charles and President Trump gave brief toasts during the evening with Mr Trump dedicated the toast to “Her Majesty The Queen and Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall” while His Royal Highness toasted to the President and First Lady.
Earlier in the day, the Duke of York and Prime Minister Theresa May were present at St James’s Palace alongside Trump for a UK/US Senior Business Leaders Group Breakfast Meeting. The Prime Minister later held a joint press conference with President Trump at No. 10 Downing Street.