Trump hails 'highest honour of my life' at state banquet - as King references trade, Ukraine and environment

Donald Trump said being the first US president to enjoy a second British state visit was "one of the highest honours of my life", as he wined and dined with royalty at Windsor Castle.

Wednesday evening's state banquet came after a day full of pomp and pageantry for Mr Trump, who was treated to a carriage procession, military parade, and plenty more lavish treatment.

Trump's state banquet as it happened

Suited and booted for the banquet to bring the day to a close, sat between the King and Princess of Wales, the president thanked the monarch and Queen for their "extraordinary graciousness".

Mr Trump said it was a "singular privilege" to be the first American president to be granted a second state banquet, adding: "This is truly one of the highest honours of my life, such respect for you and such respect for your country."

He suggested it might be the last time it happens, adding "I hope it is actually" to laughter.

Mr Trump's speech at the banquet followed one from the King, who referenced trade, Ukraine, and environmentalism.

The monarch said the UK and US "fought together to defeat the forces of tyranny" during the First and Second World War, and added: "Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine to deter aggression and secure peace."

He mentioned trade between the two countries early in the speech, saying: "Today, our alliance spans every field of endeavour and shows vast potential for growth.

"The United Kingdom was your partner in the first trade deal of your administration, Mr President, bringing jobs and growth to both our countries.

"And no doubt we can go even further as we build this new era of our partnership."

The King also referenced the environment and said that "in striving for a better world, we also have a precious opportunity to safeguard and to restore the wonders and beauty of nature for the generations who follow us".

And in more lighthearted comments, the monarch said "I cannot help but wonder what our forefathers from 1776 would make of our friendship" to audible laughter from the president.

Red Arrows, tech giants and French menu

The dinner capped off Mr Trump's first day of his state visit to the UK, with the US president joining King Charles to watch a military parade - replete with a Red Arrows flyover - held at Windsor Castle.

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He and first lady Melania Trump also paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II at St George's Chapel, where they laid a wreath at her tomb.

The banquet had 160 attendees, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, Sir Keir Starmer, and a long list of American technology CEOs - including Apple's Tim Cook, OpenAI's Sam Altman, and Microsoft's Satya Nadella.

The Silicon Valley executives are in the country as the UK and US announce a landmark technology deal worth billions of pounds.

Sir Keir, meanwhile, has his focus set on talks with Mr Trump at his Chequers country retreat on Thursday. The investment from US tech firms, the war in Ukraine, and the situation in Gaza may all be on the agenda.

Photos from Windsor Castle ahead of the banquet showed a lavish arrangement - with a menu in French as has been tradition since the Norman conquests of the 11th century.

UK-US bond 'unbreakable', says Trump

On the relationship between the UK and US, Mr Trump said that "seen from American eyes, the word special does not begin to do it justice," before adding: "We're like two notes in one chord or two verses of the same prose.

"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."

He then made a reference to former US president Joe Biden, saying: "We had a very sick country one year ago, and today I believe we're the hottest country anywhere in the world."

Mr Trump also told the King he had raised "a remarkable son" in Prince William before saying: "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."

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