Donald Trump is the first President in history to get invited on a second state visit to the UK, and he used the opportunity to create headlines.
The trip has been filled with grandeur, compliments, and controversy.
Trump both praised the Royal Family and raised eyebrows with protocol breaches and remarks that appeared to snub Prince Harry.
Praise for Royals – But a Snub for Prince Harry?
At the lavish state banquet, Trump turned on the charm with a speech full of praise for King Charles and the Royal Family.
"This is truly one of the highest honours of my life, I have such respect for you and such respect for your country for many decades," he said.
The President applauded Charles for preserving “the glorious and unique character of this kingdom,” and credited him with uplifting the poor, caring for rural farmers, and tending to wounded veterans.
Yet, many observers noticed what seemed like a pointed omission.
While praising Prince William, Trump declared Charles had raised a “remarkable son” — a comment interpreted as a slight toward Prince Harry, who stepped back from royal duties to start a new life in America.
Trump doubled down on his praise of William, calling him “going to have an unbelievable success in the future.”
He also 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, so beautiful. It's really a great honour."
Jokes, History, and a “Special Relationship”
King Charles himself used humor to honor the Anglo-American alliance. Reflecting on the media’s speculation decades ago, he said: "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."
The King also addressed the challenges of the present day, stressing solidarity in global conflicts: "Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine, to deter aggression and secure peace.
"Our countries have the closest defence, security and intelligence relationship ever known."
Trump echoed this sentiment, saying the phrase “special relationship” didn’t go far enough.
He added: "Together we've done more good for humanity than any two countries in all of history."
A Historic Second Visit
Trump is the first American president to be invited to the UK for a second state visit. He acknowledged the milestone in his speech, calling it both a “first” and likely his last.
In a lighter moment, though, he joked: "I hope it is actually."
The evening closed with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to the U.S.–UK bond.