Donald Trump, the first U.S. president to earn a second state visit by the British royal family, was hosted at a spectacular state banquet at Windsor Castle by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The event unfolded in St George’s Hall where ceremonial Beefeaters in red uniform and traditional pipers greeted guests. The setting was grand: a 50-metre Waterloo Table laid with 1,462 pieces of silver under 139 candles, and seasonal floral arrangements plucked from the castle gardens. 

 

 

Around 160 guests attended, including tech magnates Tim Cook, Demis Hassabis, Sam Altman; Pas­­cal Soriot of AstraZeneca; media mogul Rupert Murdoch; athlete Nick Faldo; and political figures such as Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Trump was seated beside King Charles; Princess Catherine and Queen Camilla flanked other key figures. The menu was three-course and symbolic: Hampshire watercress panna cotta to start, Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgette, and dessert of vanilla ice-cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet. Specialty wines and vintage liquors were chosen to reflect personal and historical connections—Warre’s 1945 vintage port (a nod to Trump being the 45th president), among others. 

 

Music ranged from operatic classics like Nessun Dorma and Ave Maria to Trump campaign staples (“You Can’t Always Get What You Want”), even a custom cocktail called the “Transatlantic Whisky Sour” with toasted marshmallow and star-shaped biscuit garnish. In his toast, the king celebrated the deep yet evolving UK-US alliance, referencing shared history, defence ties, and cooperation over global conflicts—emphasising unity in face of modern threats. 

 

 

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

1. Grandiosity & Symbolism: The banquet’s décor, menu, and guest‐list were steeped in British pageantry and symbolic links to both U.S. history and Trump’s personal narrative.

 

 

2. High-Profile Guest Mix: Blend of political leaders, tech giants, media figures, and royalty highlighted diplomatic and soft-power aims.

 

 

3. Message of Alliance: The speeches, setting, and even wine choices reinforced UK-US shared values, historical ties, and a united front amid global challenges.

 

 

 

 Adapted From:

 

 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-18/donald-trump-state-banquet-dinner-in-pictures/105786672

 

 

8 minutes ago, Bacon1 said:

 

Can you imagine the one at the far end of the table asking to hand over the salt, to the one at the other end?

No diet coke?

14 minutes ago, Bacon1 said:

 

 

Trump must have been delighted with everything in gold. Hope they count the utensils before he leaves.

 

17 minutes ago, Bacon1 said:

 

 

 

 

And even on his way to the banquet he can't stop to spell king Charles the lesson. Can see on King Charles face that he's counting the days to Trump's leave.

Wow, that is one HUGE table. I wonder how many servers it took to serve that lot, 160 guests?

What would  happen if someone complained, like 'this food is cold'?😄

6 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

Wow, that is one HUGE table. I wonder how many servers it took to serve that lot, 160 guests?

What would  happen if someone complained, like 'this food is cold'?😄

 

Getting enough servers was a problem. They had to get people in from the local pizza restaurants which obviously caused them a problem. As an aside, unfortunately they couldn't find room for Prince Andrew at that table so he had to eat elsewhere. He was extremely disappointed to find the Woking branch of Pizza Hut was closed for the day due to staff being seconded to Windsor Palace. Apparently - although this cannot be verified - he broke out in a cold sweat at the news.

 

Unfortunately, this labour shortage problem was self-inflicted. When the UK was a member of the EU, we could simply whistle-up a few hundred European students on their gap year to lend a hand. It solved our labour problem and gave them a bit of cash. A win-win situation. Sadly, we've now closed our doors to Europe and that solution was no longer unavailable. I believe that this is called a Brexit benefit😉

7 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

Wow, that is one HUGE table. I wonder how many servers it took to serve that lot, 160 guests?

What would  happen if someone complained, like 'this food is cold'?😄

There was a gold plated microwave every 10 metres. 555

Not a big fan of bomp and circumstance,  but just a shoutout to th UK.  People probably think it is a waste whatever, but the way they greet on a state visit is unbelievable.  All the work and effort put inot it, not to mention the obvious history the country has on display.  The soldiers, horses. carriages, uniforms, etc.  Never seen anything like it.

One of the most impressive events I have seen the UK folks in and from England should be very proud.

8 hours ago, Bacon1 said:

 

Hahaha. How big Is Donald's new White House Ballroom?

 

 

6 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

 

Hahaha. How big Is Donald's new White House Ballroom?

 

 

 

I'm sure there are plans already now to make it bigger.

3days to do the washing up