Incredible pictures from Trump's state banquet prove one thing
Held in Windsor Castle, complete with twinkling chandeliers and an impressive dinner, the state banquet proved one thing.
The state banquet is usually a spectacular showstopper of any state visit, with glittering chandeliers, speeches, toasts, luxurious food and wine. The hospitality is designed to make the main guest and guests feel special.
The setting in St George's Hall, Windsor Castle is a remarkable sight and the "head" of the table is in the middle for the Windsor state banquet, with the King and President in the centre of a dining table which is 47m long.
President Trump, as the guest of honour, was placed between King Charles and the Princess of Wales. Donald Trump said being the first US president to enjoy a second British state visit was "one of the highest honours of my life".
There were the usual politicians, dignitaries, businessmen and women, and members of the Royal Family, but other well-known attendees were Apple CEO Tim Cook, professional golfer Nick Faldo, media magnate Rupert Murdoch, and GB rower Dame Katherine Grainger.
Express.co.uk shares a series of pictures from the state banquet which prove the special relationship between the UK and the United States is still strong...
The US President and First were treated to a white-tie dinner in their honour hosted in St George's Hall. Some 160 guests, including politicians, celebrities, and dignitaries attended. The evening dinner was six months in the making, with every detail meticulously checked and approved by the King.
Guests tucked into Hampshire watercress panna cotta with Parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad.
This was followed by chicken ballotin with a thyme and savoury infused jus and a vanilla ice cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet and lightly poached Victoria plums.
(Image: WPA POOL)
All parties were dressed to impress. Melania Trump chose to wear a striking canary yellow design, she stepped away from the muted palettes and classic jewel tones so often favoured for state banquets.
The off-the-shoulder silhouette, with its clean neckline and fitted bodice, was both modern and unapologetically glamorous, balanced by a wide lilac belt that added a bold contrast.
Against the gilded backdrop of the castle, all parties radiated confidence and individuality, marking the evening’s fashion moments.
Also looking glam were the Prince and Princess of Wales. Princess Kate radiated elegance in a custom couture creation by British designer Phillipa Lepley, as she joined her husband, Prince William, and other senior royals at the state banquet at Windsor Castle. Her gown was layered beneath a full-length Chantilly lace coat, featuring hand-embroidered roses in gold cording.
(Image: Matt Porteous)
Donald Trump hailed the so-called special relationship between the US and Britain as he paid a gushing tribute to King Charles during his historic second state visit, calling it one of the highest honours of his life.
The president and his wife, Melania, were treated to the full array of British pageantry.
"The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal. It’s irreplaceable and unbreakable," Trump said in a speech during a lavish banquet at Windsor Castle.
Referring to the so-called special relationship between the US and Britain, Trump said: "Seen from American eyes, the word special does not begin to do it justice."
(Image: WPA POOL)
King Charles highlighted the importance of the special relationship, also providing light humour to the occasion.
He said: "Today, however, we celebrate a relationship between our two countries that surely neither Washington nor King George III could possibly have imagined. The ocean may still divide us, but in so many other ways we are now the closest of kin. Mr President, you have spoken of your pride in your British roots. In fact, not only have you set foot on British soil twice in the last two months alone, but I understand that British soil makes for rather splendid golf courses!"
(Image: WPA POOL)