A Night of Diplomacy and Dazzle at Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle was the stage for a spectacle of royal tradition and international diplomacy on September 17, 2025, as
President Donald Trump was honored with a lavish state banquet hosted by
King Charles III. The event, held in the storied St George’s Hall, brought together political heavyweights, royalty, and media moguls for a night that blended centuries-old pageantry with modern political intrigue.
Inside the Banquet: Opulence Meets History
The banquet table itself was a marvel—
155 feet long, stretching the length of nearly three Marine One helicopters. It was adorned with
139 candles,
1,452 pieces of cutlery, and attended by more than
100 staff. Royal officials revealed it took a full week to assemble the table, underscoring the meticulous attention to detail that defines such state occasions.
Guests dined on an
exquisite menu featuring
watercress panna cotta and
chicken ballotine, dishes chosen to honor both British culinary tradition and the late Queen Elizabeth II. The guest list was equally impressive, with seats reserved for US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, King Charles III, Trump, and Catherine, Princess of Wales on one side, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Queen Camilla, Melania Trump, and Prince William on the other.
Political Undercurrents and High-Profile Guests
The evening was not without its share of drama. Media tycoon
Rupert Murdoch attended, despite ongoing legal tensions with Trump over a controversial report. Trump, however, appeared unfazed, focusing his remarks on the enduring “special relationship” between the US and UK, stating,
“the word special does not begin to do it justice.”
Outside the castle, thousands gathered in London to protest Trump’s policies, though turnout was reportedly lower than anticipated. Meanwhile, the state visit coincided with announcements of major US tech investments in the UK, highlighting the economic and diplomatic stakes of the occasion.
Royal Fashion and Tradition on Display
The banquet was also a showcase for royal fashion, with
Kate Middleton stunning in a glittering tiara and Queen Camilla donning regal jewels. The event was steeped in tradition, from the military honors accorded to Trump upon arrival to the “Beating Retreat” musical performance and a visit to St George’s Chapel, the burial place of Queen Elizabeth II.
Windsor Castle: A Living Monument
Windsor Castle, nearly
1,000 years old, remains the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. It continues to serve as a working royal residence and is open to visitors throughout the year, though it was closed to the public during the state visit for security and protocol reasons. The castle’s rich history and ongoing role in British life were on full display, reminding guests and viewers alike of its enduring significance.
What’s Next for Windsor Castle?
With the state visit concluded, Windsor Castle will resume its regular schedule, reopening to tourists and offering special activities for families and children. The castle’s ability to host such high-profile events while remaining accessible to the public is a testament to its unique place in British culture.
Takeaway: The Trump state banquet at Windsor Castle was more than just a dinner—it was a convergence of history, diplomacy, and spectacle, reflecting both the grandeur of the British monarchy and the complexities of modern international relations.
Sources
1. 155 feet long table, exquisite menu: Inside Trump's royal dinner at ...
2. Windsor Castle
3. President Trump and the First Lady Participate in a Windsor Castle ...
4. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
5. Live from Windsor where King Charles welcomes Donald Trump
6. Royal jewels shine at Windsor Castle state banquet for Trump visit
