Trump's Royal Welcome: A State Visit That Strengthened UK-US Ties

Thu Oct 16 2025 08:41:30 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Donald Trump's recent state visit to the UK showcased the warmth of relations between the two nations, but also highlighted the limits of influence Britain has over US policy.

During a recent state visit, Donald Trump displayed evident enthusiasm for royal engagements at Windsor Castle while maintaining a cordial yet tense atmosphere with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers. Despite the ceremonial splendor, Trump's fundamental views on global issues remain unchanged, underscoring the complexities of UK-US relations.

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. There was no real awkwardness during the joint news conference, which had the potential to expose areas of disagreement.

When the two men were asked about one of those issues, the UK's plan to recognize Palestinian statehood, Trump said he disagreed but also gave Starmer a big smile and a warm slap on the back as the prime minister condemned Hamas.

And on another potentially tricky topic, the sacking of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, Trump was unusually taciturn. He said very little and immediately deferred to Starmer.

The two leaders did discuss Gaza and Ukraine when they spent almost an hour talking alone without any of their staff in the room. And while they were very amicable during the news conference, it also quickly became clear that neither had changed their positions on the key issues where they disagree.

However, inside Chequers, Wiles honestly stated that Trump would not alter his positions on important global matters due to a memorable night at Windsor Castle, indicating the limits of Britain's influence on US policy.

Starmer's adept navigation of this relationship means he can disagree respectfully without fear of diplomatic fallout, which has been costly for other nations. While Trump may not have adjusted his stance, the visit appeared to fortify a stronger diplomatic standing for the UK.