The King and Donald Trump have hailed the “special relationship” between the US and UK, as they delivered speeches at a glittering state banquet.
Some 160 guests - including senior royals, politicians and business leaders - have joined the US president for an extravagant feast at Windsor Castle.
The King began the banquet by celebrating the UK’s “enduring bond” with the US, before Mr Trump called his visit one of the “greatest honours” of his life.
He said: “The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal.”
He and the first lady, Melania Trump, received a personal greeting from Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales when they arrived on Wednesday.
Just over 20 miles away, thousands turned out to protest the visit at a march organised by the Stop Trump Coalition in London. The group says it is “protesting against this undeserved state visit to make sure the world knows this is not done in our name”.
On Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer is expected to use the visit to bolster the UK’s “special relationship” the US with diplomatic talks at Chequers.
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Key Points
- King and Trump hail US-UK 'special relationship' during state banquet
- Trump arrives at lavish state banquet
- Pictured: Extravagant table set up for state banquet
- Thousands gather in London to protest Trump’s historic second state visit
- Royals and Trumps watch military parade together
Trump hails UK–US bond at Windsor banquet: ‘Two notes in one chord’
05:02
,
Shweta Sharma
President Donald Trump paid a glowing tribute to the UK–US relationship during a state banquet at Windsor Castle, declaring that the word “special does not begin to do it justice”.
The US leader praised the King as a “very, very special man” and singled out both the Prince and Princess of Wales for warm mentions.
Trump described the two nations as “two verses of the same poem… meant to be played together”, calling the alliance “priceless and eternal”.
"Today, however, we celebrate a relationship between our two countries that surely neither Washington nor King George III could possibly have imagined.
"The ocean may still divide us, but in so many ways we are now the closest of kin."
The King, in turn, spoke of the “enduring bond” between the two nations, highlighting their transformation from historic enemies into “the closest of kin”, while also stressing his long-held concerns about the environment.
The lavish evening, attended by figures such as Rupert Murdoch and golf legend Sir Nick Faldo, capped a day of military pageantry and royal welcomes for Trump’s second state visit to Britain.
Outside, thousands marched in London in protest, some reviving the Trump baby blimp from 2019.
ICYMI: Spectacular RAF flypast over Windsor for Trump's UK state visit
05:00
,
Katie Hawkinson
In pictures: Trump's key cabinet members attend state banquet
04:30
,
Katie Hawkinson
ICYMI: Trump called Kate 'so radiant and so healthy' as she glitters in gold at banquet dinner
04:28
,
Shweta Sharma
The Princess of Wales was hailed as "so radiant and so healthy and so beautiful" by Donald Trump as she glittered in gold at the state banquet.
Kate wore a couture creation by British designer Phillipa Lepley, with a striking full-length, champagne gold hand-embroidered Chantilly lace evening coat featuring a regal-looking high collar over a silk crepe gown.
Trump made a point of referencing the princess, who announced at the start of the year that she was in remission from cancer, in his banquet speech, describing her as "so radiant and so healthy and so beautiful".
The princess sat next to the American leader at the banquet table and was seen smiling up at him as he delivered his speech.
Trump also praised the Prince of Wales, saying: "His Majesty has also raised a remarkable son in His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. Really amazing.
"We've gotten to know you and I think you're going to have an unbelievable success in future."
He added: "Melania and I are delighted to visit again with Prince William and to see Her Royal Highness, Princess Catherine, so radiant and so healthy, and so beautiful. It's really a great honour, thank you."
Kate beamed as she stood and raised her glass to toast the president after he addressed the 160 guests in St George's Hall.
Kate's delicate coat featured hand-embroidered roses with couched gold cording, accented with French knots and satin-stitched blooms, demonstrating her commitment to supporting British craftsmanship and creativity.
Her earrings belonged to the late Queen and the princess opted for her go-to tiara the Lover's Knot Tiara and wore her hair down and styled in waves.
Earlier in the day, Trump appeared to tell future queen, Kate, "You're so beautiful, so beautiful" as she greeted him and the First Lady Melania Trump at Victoria House with the Prince of Wales at the start of the historic state visit.
Starmer to host Trump at Chequers amid £150bn US investment pledge
04:03
,
Shweta Sharma
Sir Keir Starmer is set to host Donald Trump at Chequers this afternoon as the US president continues his second state visit to Britain.
The two leaders will be accompanied by leading technology CEOs, who are expected to take part in announcements of new tech partnerships, a US official said.
The prime minister is seeking to spotlight a promised £150bn wave of American investment and a new UK–US “technology prosperity deal” focused on AI, even as questions swirl over what concessions Washington may expect in return.
Talks on reducing steel tariffs appear to have stalled.
Today’s joint press conference is shaping up as the most high-risk moment of the visit, with potential clashes on Middle East policy and questions about both governments’ links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump was guest of honour at a Windsor Castle banquet last night, attended by the King and leading US tech chiefs including Sam Altman, Tim Cook and Jensen Huang.
Preview: Trump to meet with Starmer
04:00
,
Katie Hawkinson
US President Donald Trump is set to meet with Sir Keir Starmer at Chequers on Thursday.
The pair will view the Sir Winston Churchill archives before holding a bilateral meeting. Afterward, they’re expected to hold a press conference.
ICYMI: Prince William and Kate share unseen video of Trump's state visit
03:30
,
Katie Hawkinson
Melania Trump and Princess Kate make bold fashion choices for their historic first outing together
03:00
,
Katie Hawkinson
First Lady Melania Trump and the Princess of Wales are set to make history with their first joint outing together.
The pair will travel to Frogmore Gardens on Thursday, marking their first solo outing without their respective spouses. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is set to meet with Sir Keir Starmer at Chequers.
‘Joined by history and fate’: Trump and King Charles toast US-UK ‘kinship’ ... and each other at lavish state banquet
02:30
,
Andrew Feinberg
Nearly 250 years after Americans cast off their colonial shackles by declaring independence from Great Britain, President Donald Trump on Wednesday hailed the deep historical and cultural ties between the United States and the United Kingdom as he capped a historic second state visit to the country at a banquet hosted by King Charles III.
Keep reading:
In pictures: Demonstrators march through London to protest Trump visit
02:00
,
Katie Hawkinson
Watch: Trump takes swipe at Prince Harry during state banquet speech
01:30
,
Katie Hawkinson
What's next on Trump's agenda?
01:00
,
Katie Hawkinson
US President Donald Trump is set to leave Windsor Castle on Thursday morning.
Sir Keir Starmer will then host Mr Trump at Chequers for a bilateral meeting.
Meanwhile, first lady Melania Trump is set to see Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and the Royal Library at Windsor Castle on Thursday.
She will then join the Princess of Wales at Frogmore Gardens for a meeting with the Chief Scout Dwayne Fields and members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme.
See the full agenda here:
Comment: Trump is being honoured at the Windsor Castle lock-in to hide the truth about Britain
Thursday 18 September 2025 00:30
,
Sam Kiley
Watch day one of Donald Trump’s historic UK state visit in three minutes
Wednesday 17 September 2025 23:59
,
Katie Hawkinson
In pictures: Business leaders attend state banquet
Wednesday 17 September 2025 23:27
,
Katie Hawkinson
'I hope it's the last time': Trump makes strange remark during UK speech
Wednesday 17 September 2025 22:59
,
Athena Stavrou
Read the King’s state banquet speech to Donald Trump in full
Wednesday 17 September 2025 22:41
,
Athena Stavrou
King jokes about nearly being ‘married off’ to the Nixon family
Wednesday 17 September 2025 22:26
,
Athena Stavrou
The King said he has “cherished the close ties” between the UK and US, particularly during his visits to the States, and even joked he could have ended up part of the Nixon family in the 1970s.
He said: “For my part, I have always admired the ingenuity of the American people; and the principles of freedom which your great democracy has represented since its inception. Throughout my life, from my very first visit to the United States in 1970 and over 20 visits since that time, I have cherished the close ties between the British and American peoples.
“In fact, had the media succeeded in the 1970s in their own attempt at deepening the special relationship, I myself might have been married off within the Nixon family.”
Charles was referring to an occasion in 1970 when, then 21, he spent time with then-president Richard Nixon’s daughter Tricia at social occasions including a dinner and a baseball game.
He added: “From York to New York, from Birmingham, England, to Birmingham, Alabama, we are united by a common language and shared heritage. The many thousands of people from each of our countries who have made the other their home have enriched our societies immeasurably — a fact that gives me the greatest pride.
“Our cultural connections, too, continue to flourish, with our actors, musicians, writers and television presenters prospering in the hearts of transatlantic audiences.”
Donald Trump’s speech in Windsor Castle could hardly have been better for Starmer
Wednesday 17 September 2025 22:02
,
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Donald Trump’s glowing praise for the UK in his speech at the state banquet will be music to the ears of the prime minister.
He still faces a potentially dicey press conference with the unpredictable US President tomorrow.
But hearing the Republican declare that special did “not begin” to do justice to the relationship between the UK and the US will be enough to convince the Labour leader and his advisers that they were justified in deciding to woo him with an unprecedented second state visit.
In a speech that referenced Winston Churchill and Charles Dickens, President Trump talked about his admiration and respect for the UK and said that being hosted by the royal family was "one of the highest honours of my life”.
He described the bond between the US and the UK as "priceless and eternal''.
For his part, King Charles dropped some political hints into his speech, backing Ukraine and talking about green issues. He also suggested the UK-US trade deal could “go even further”.
King and Trump hail US-UK special relationship
Wednesday 17 September 2025 21:57
,
Athena Stavrou
The UK-US “special relationship” took centre stage in both the King and Donald Trump’s state banquet speeches.
The King began the banquet by celebrating the UK’s “enduring bond” with the US, which he said had made both countries “safer and stronger through the generations”.
Mr Trump went on to call his second state visit one of the “greatest honours” of his life as he thanked the royal family for welcoming him.
He described the bond between the US and the UK as “priceless and eternal”.
His speech continued: “We’re joined by history and faith, by love and language and by transcendent ties of culture, tradition, ancestry and destiny.
“We’re like two notes in one chord or two verses of the same poem, each beautiful on its own, but really meant to be played together.”
Pictured: Lavish state banquet gets underway
Wednesday 17 September 2025 21:50
,
Athena Stavrou
Trump describes Kate as 'so radiant and so healthy'
Wednesday 17 September 2025 21:44
,
Athena Stavrou
US President Donald Trump said the Princess of Wales was “so radiant and so healthy”.
Giving a speech at a state banquet at Windsor Castle, Mr Trump said: “His Majesty has also raised a remarkable son in His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. Really amazing.
“We’ve gotten to know you and I think you’re going to have an 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, it’s so beautiful. It’s really a great honour, thank you.”
Guests enjoying a extravagant three course dinner
Wednesday 17 September 2025 21:40
,
Athena Stavrou
Now the speeches are over, the guests will enjoy a carefully curated feast.
For starters, a Hampshire watercress panna cotta with parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad will be served.
This will be followed by the main course, which is a organic Norfolk chicken ballottine wrapped in courgettes, with a thyme and savoury infused jus.
Spanish beans, spiced pumpkin with roasted seeds, buttered chard and fondant potatoes will be served as accompaniments.
For dessert, a bombe glacee cardinal, which is a vanilla ice cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet interior with lightly poached victoria plums will be served.
President hails ‘priceless and eternal’ US-British bond
Wednesday 17 September 2025 21:33
,
Athena Stavrou
Mr Trump described the bond between the US and the UK as “priceless and eternal”.
His speech continued: “We’re joined by history and faith, by love and language and by transcendent ties of culture, tradition, ancestry and destiny.
“We’re like two notes in one chord or two verses of the same poem, each beautiful on its own, but really meant to be played together.
“The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal.
“It’s irreplaceable and unbreakable and we are, as a country, as you know, doing unbelievably well.
“We had a very sick country one year ago, and today, I believe we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world.
“In fact, nobody’s even questioning it, but we owe so much of that to you and the footing that you gave us when we started.”
Watch: King Charles makes Trump golf joke during banquet speech
Wednesday 17 September 2025 21:30
,
Athena Stavrou
King urges Trump to protect the environment in state banquet speech
Wednesday 17 September 2025 21:24
,
Athena Stavrou
The King has emphasised the importance of protecting the environment in a speech at the lavish state banquet in honour of US President Donald Trump.
Charles said the legacy of both nations over the “next 250 years and beyond” is to ensure future generations can experience “natural treasures”.
He has long been an advocate for investing in nature, particularly when he was the Prince of Wales.
Mr Trump, meanwhile, has a very different attitude to environmental issues.He declared an energy emergency on his first day back in the White House, promising to “drill, baby, drill” and eliminate what he called Joe Biden’s electric vehicle mandate.
Rupert Murdoch and Apple CEO join royals at state banquet
Wednesday 17 September 2025 21:20
,
Athena Stavrou
Business leaders and top politicians have joined the royal family and Donald Trump at tonight’s state banquet.
Rupert Murdoch and Apple's Tim Cook are among the 160 people on tonight’s guest list.
Guest of honour Donald Trump is sat next to to the King and the Princess of Wales.
The US secretary of state Marco Rubio will be sat on the other side of Charles.
Opposite them, Melania Trump is sat next to the Queen and Prince William.
Elsewhere, Sir Keir Starmer has been placed next to Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman and Jeanette Rubio.
Other guests include Tiffany Trump, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Open AI's Sam Altman... and US Masters-winning golfer Nick Faldo.
Trump calls state visit one of 'highest honours' of his life
Wednesday 17 September 2025 21:12
,
Athena Stavrou
Donald Trump is delivering his speech at tonight’s state banquet.
He said he was “deeply grateful” to have been invited to a second state visit and said: “This is truly one of the highest honours of my life, such respect for you and such respect for your country."
Charles asserts joint support for Ukraine in speech
Wednesday 17 September 2025 21:07
,
Athena Stavrou
In a poignant moment during his state banquet speech, the King mentioned support for Ukraine.
He said: “Our countries have the closest defence, security and intelligence relationship ever known.
“In two world wars, we fought together to defeat the forces of tyranny.
“Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine, to deter aggression, and to secure peace.”
Donald Trump has often been seen as being too soft on Putin.
King celebrates 'special relationship' during state banquet speech
Wednesday 17 September 2025 20:59
,
Athena Stavrou
The King has begun his speech at tonight’s state banquet.
He began with celebrating the UK’s “special relationship” with the US.
“This relationship which with good reason we and our predecessors have long called special, has made us safer and stronger through the generations,” he said.
“We have celebrated together, mourned together and stood together in the best and worst of times.”
Trump and King enter banquet hall
Wednesday 17 September 2025 20:56
,
Athena Stavrou
Prince and Princess of Wales arrive
Wednesday 17 September 2025 20:41
,
Athena Stavrou
The Princess of Wales glittered in a couture gown by British designer Phillipa Lepley with a full-length, hand-embroidered champagne gold Chantilly lace evening coat over a silk crepe gown at the state banquet.
The coat features hand-embroidered roses with couched gold cording, accented with French knots and satin-stitched blooms, demonstrating her commitment to supporting British craftsmanship and creativity.
Her earrings belonged to the late Queen and the princess opted for her go-to tiara the Lover’s Knot Tiara.
Kate was also wearing the Royal Family Order of King Charles III, Royal Family Order of Elizabeth II, Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and GCVO Star and Sash.
The Prince of Wales is wearing a white tie and a Windsor tail coat, and the Most Noble Order of the Garter Sash with the Lesser George.
He was also wearing his miniature medals – Order of the Bath and the Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee and Coronation medal – as well as Chest Orders of the Order of the Garter and Order of the Thistle and the Neck Order of the Order of the Bath.
Business leaders featured on guest list
Wednesday 17 September 2025 20:28
,
Athena Stavrou
The state banquet is due to get underway at Windsor Castle.
Some guests have started to trickle in, before the guests of honour arrive in the banquet halls.
Donald Trump will be sat next to the King, with the Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales also being at the table.
Other royals in attendance will be the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Princess Royal and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
Plenty of diplomats and politicians will be present including Sir Keir Starmer, the US secretary of state Marco Rubio, Treasury secretary Scott Bessent and special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Business leaders including Apple CEO Tim Cook are also invited.
The Trumps, King and Queen arrive at state banquet
Wednesday 17 September 2025 20:21
,
Athena Stavrou
After a day filled with royal welcomes and military pomp, the US president has arrived at tonight’s state banquet.
The glittering centrepiece of Donald Trump’s state visit, some 160 guests - including senior royals, politicians and business leaders - have arrived to enjoy an extravagant feast.
Donald and Melania Trump will be seated amongst the royal family at the 50-metre table which has taken staff says to set up.
What’s on the menu?
Wednesday 17 September 2025 20:11
,
Athena Stavrou
Pictures of tonight’s menu, written in French, have been released by the palace.
For starters, a Hampshire watercress panna cotta with parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad will be served.
This will be followed by the main course, which is a organic Norfolk chicken ballottine wrapped in courgettes, with a thyme and savoury infused jus.
Spanish beans, spiced pumpkin with roasted seeds, buttered chard and fondant potatoes will be served as accompaniments.
For dessert, a bombe glacee cardinal, which is a vanilla ice cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet interior with lightly poached victoria plums will be served
The wine list is as follows:
Wiston Estate, Cuvée, 2016
Domaine Bonneau du Martray, Corton-Charlemagne, Grand Cru, 2018
Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello, 2000
Pol Roger, Extra Cuvée de Réserve
Pictured: Extravagant 50 metre table set up for state banquet
Wednesday 17 September 2025 20:01
,
Athena Stavrou
