President Donald Trump immediately commented on Kate Middleton’s appearance upon arriving at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, for his second state visit to the United Kingdom. The 79-year-old president stepped off Marine One at 12:14 p.m., approximately 20 minutes behind schedule, where he was greeted by Prince William and the Princess of Wales at the Walled Garden.
According to lip-reading specialist Jeremy Freeman, who analyzed footage of the greeting, Trump told Middleton, “You’re beautiful, so beautiful” during their initial exchange. The comment was made in front of Prince William and First Lady Melania Trump as the American delegation was welcomed to the royal residence.
Middleton appeared to take the compliment graciously, smiling in response to the president’s remarks. The Princess of Wales, who has been recovering from cancer treatment that she underwent privately last year, was dressed in a burgundy ensemble by New Zealand designer Emilia Wickstead for the ceremonial welcome.
Following the initial greeting with the Wales couple, Trump and Melania were brought to Victoria House for a formal introduction with King Charles and Queen Camilla. The meeting included military ceremonial honors, with a royal salute fired from World War I-era cannons positioned on Windsor Castle’s east lawn and at the Tower of London.
King Charles and Trump were observed sharing conversation and laughter during the ceremony, with the American president repeatedly expressing gratitude. The two leaders subsequently traveled together in a horse-drawn carriage for a procession through the Windsor estate, while Queen Camilla accompanied Melania Trump in a separate coach.
Trump’s admiration for Middleton continued during the state banquet held that evening at Windsor Castle. Seated next to King Charles at the 160-person dinner, the president delivered a speech in which he praised the Princess of Wales. Trump described Middleton as appearing radiant, healthy, and beautiful, comments that seemed to reference her previous health challenges and recovery.
The president’s fascination with the British royal family spans decades. In his book “The Art of the Comeback,” Trump previously expressed regret about never having the opportunity to date the late Princess Diana, describing her as someone who lit up rooms and calling her a dream lady. During a 1997 interview with Howard Stern, just months after Diana’s death, Trump suggested he could have pursued a relationship with the princess.
Trump has also made similar appearance-focused comments about other royal family members. When he met Prince William for a private conversation in Paris, France, last year, the president told the New York Post that William looked very handsome and great in person, noting that some people look better face-to-face.
For the state banquet, Middleton wore a striking gold gown designed by Phillipa Lepley, a couture wedding dress and eveningwear designer. The dress featured a white sleeveless underdress with a sparkling Chantilly lace overlay that included floral motifs and subtle puffed sleeves. She paired the gown with the Lover’s Knot Tiara and gold Aquazzura heels with side cutouts.
The choice to wear a design by a New Zealand creator rather than an American designer was notable, as Middleton typically pays tribute to visiting countries through her clothing selections. During the French state visit in July, she had worn Dior to honor the visiting delegation.
Despite the ceremonial welcome and formal reception, Trump’s visit faced opposition from some British citizens. Protesters gathered in Windsor and central London, with an estimated 3,000 people demonstrating against the president’s policies.
Four individuals were arrested after projecting huge images of Trump with Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle walls the night before his arrival.
Artist Maya Kar staged a protest by displaying a painting depicting Trump as a primitive figure who had kidnapped a childlike King Charles. The demonstrator characterized the president as someone who lacks knowledge of rules and protocol.
The visit marked Trump’s second full state visit to the United Kingdom, following his first in 2019 when he dined with the late Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace. Trump previously described Queen Elizabeth as a grand and beautiful lady and has claimed that various world leaders and celebrities have sought his favor over the years.
The state visit continued on September 18 with additional ceremonial events, including a joint appearance by Middleton and Melania Trump with Scout groups. The visit represents the continuation of diplomatic relations between the United States and the United Kingdom, despite political differences and public opposition to Trump’s presence in the country.