U.S. President Donald Trump attended a grand state banquet at Windsor Castle, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. This event, known as the “second state dinner”, marked a key highlight of Trump’s second official state visit to the United Kingdom.
Held inside the iconic St George’s Hall, the banquet brought together 160 high-profile guests, symbolizing the strength of the UK–US alliance at a time of global political and economic challenges.
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| Trump’s Second UK State Dinner |
Guest List: Leaders, Royals, and Global Figures
The evening was attended by:
King Charles III and Queen Camilla
The guest list reflected a blend of royalty, politics, business, and technology, highlighting the depth of UK–US cooperation in global affairs.
Royal Banquet Menu
The state dinner featured an exquisite menu curated by the Royal Household’s chefs, including:
Watercress panna cotta as a starter
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Organic Norfolk chicken ballotine as the main course
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Vanilla ice cream bombe with raspberry sorbet for dessert
This blend of traditional British cuisine with modern flair emphasized both heritage and innovation.
Speeches and Symbolism
Both King Charles III and President Trump delivered speeches celebrating the “special relationship” between the United States and the United Kingdom.
King Charles III praised the long-standing cultural and strategic partnership.
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President Trump reaffirmed U.S. commitment to the UK as a key ally in global security and trade.
The evening also featured royal pageantry, with military bands and aerial displays earlier in the day, underscoring the significance of the visit.
Why This State Dinner Matters
The “second state dinner” was not just a ceremonial occasion—it carried diplomatic weight.
- It reaffirmed UK–US ties amid evolving global challenges.
- It highlighted the importance of trade, defense, and technology partnerships.
- It symbolized unity between two of the world’s most influential democracies.
For many observers, the Windsor Castle banquet was a powerful reminder of the historic alliance between London and Washington, which has endured for decades.
Conclusion
The 2025 Windsor Castle state dinner was more than a royal celebration—it was a moment of diplomacy, symbolism, and partnership. As the UK and US navigate global uncertainties, this banquet reaffirmed that the “special relationship” remains strong, relevant, and enduring.
FAQs
Q1: What is meant by the “second state dinner”?
The term refers to the state banquet hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, during President Donald Trump’s second official state visit to the United Kingdom.
Q2: Who attended the state dinner?
Attendees included King Charles III, Queen Camilla, U.S. President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Rupert Murdoch, and senior U.S. officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Q3: What was on the menu at the banquet?
The royal menu featured watercress panna cotta, organic Norfolk chicken ballotine, and vanilla ice cream bombe with raspberry sorbet.
Q4: Where was the state dinner held?
The event took place in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle, a historic venue used for major royal occasions.
Q5: Why was this state dinner significant?
The banquet highlighted the enduring UK–US “special relationship,” blending royal pageantry with diplomacy and strengthening ties amid complex global challenges.
