There is little doubt that Donald Trump was more enthused about the day he spent at Windsor Castle than his talks with Sir Keir Starmer at Chequers. And that is no slight on the UK prime minister's hospitality during this state visit, which Trump and his team have been eager to praise. Starmer's country residence is undoubtedly an impressive meeting place, and there was even an aerial display by the British Army's Red Devils who flew enormous British and American flags to welcome the US leader to the Buckinghamshire countryside.
But as much as Trump appears to genuinely like Starmer, with their warm relationship on display at a joint news conference on Thursday, the president was totally beguiled by being hosted by the King and Queen on Wednesday. According to his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, his definitive highlight of the trip was the elaborate evening banquet for 160 guests in Windsor Castle's St George's Hall that evening.
For Trump, who has a deep and longstanding admiration for the Royals, it is hard to compete with being toasted by the King. No matter how many jets are laid on for you in the skies above Chequers.
State visits like these allow presidents and prime ministers to connect with one another on a more personal level, and offer a chance for their respective staff to build working relationships. They are also an opportunity to demonstrate the closeness of relations on a big stage. In this sense, it was smooth sailing for both sides.
During the joint news conference, there was no real awkwardness, despite the potential for disagreements. Although the two leaders discussed tricky topics, such as the UK's plan to recognize Palestinian statehood and the firing of the UK ambassador to the US, Trump remained largely taciturn about such matters, allowing Starmer to take the lead.
It became apparent that while Trump may enjoy the royal hospitality, it doesn’t change his stance on trade, tariffs, or international affairs. Starmer navigated the trip well, emerging without any significant diplomatic fallout. After all the pomp and pageantry, no one expects significant changes in their relationship, but both leaders now seem capable of disagreeing without jeopardizing mutual respect.
But as much as Trump appears to genuinely like Starmer, with their warm relationship on display at a joint news conference on Thursday, the president was totally beguiled by being hosted by the King and Queen on Wednesday. According to his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, his definitive highlight of the trip was the elaborate evening banquet for 160 guests in Windsor Castle's St George's Hall that evening.
For Trump, who has a deep and longstanding admiration for the Royals, it is hard to compete with being toasted by the King. No matter how many jets are laid on for you in the skies above Chequers.
State visits like these allow presidents and prime ministers to connect with one another on a more personal level, and offer a chance for their respective staff to build working relationships. They are also an opportunity to demonstrate the closeness of relations on a big stage. In this sense, it was smooth sailing for both sides.
During the joint news conference, there was no real awkwardness, despite the potential for disagreements. Although the two leaders discussed tricky topics, such as the UK's plan to recognize Palestinian statehood and the firing of the UK ambassador to the US, Trump remained largely taciturn about such matters, allowing Starmer to take the lead.
It became apparent that while Trump may enjoy the royal hospitality, it doesn’t change his stance on trade, tariffs, or international affairs. Starmer navigated the trip well, emerging without any significant diplomatic fallout. After all the pomp and pageantry, no one expects significant changes in their relationship, but both leaders now seem capable of disagreeing without jeopardizing mutual respect.
