By Kyiv Post
Copyright kyivpost
In a scene of regal pomp and pageantry at Windsor Castle, the UK and US on Wednesday reaffirmed their “special relationship” at a state dinner, with King Charles and President Donald Trump exchanging toasts that highlighted shared history and a united front against global aggression.
The event, which also included a nod to a new trade deal and a warm exchange about the recovering Princess Catherine, underscored the enduring bond between the two nations.
The evening’s lavish banquet was the culmination of a day of ceremonial events for Trump’s second state visit.
Attended by 160 guests, including high-profile US officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and top business leaders like Rupert Murdoch and Tim Cook, the dinner provided a stage for diplomacy and personal camaraderie, according to White House pool reports.
United stance on Ukraine
In his address, King Charles III delivered a powerful message about the US and UK’s commitment to Ukraine, framing it in the context of their shared military history.
He invoked the memory of fighting “the forces of tyranny” in two world wars, declaring that “as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine to deter aggression and secure peace.”
The King’s words were a clear and forceful statement on a key geopolitical issue. He also praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts. “Our countries are working together in support of crucial diplomatic efforts, not least of which, Mr. President, is your own personal commitment to finding solutions to some of the world’s most intractable conflicts,” the King said, acknowledging Trump’s engagement in peace initiatives.
The praise comes as the second Trump administration has been actively involved in brokering a new era of global stability, particularly concerning the conflict in Ukraine.
Nod to trade and personal ties
The King’s toast wasn’t all solemn. He lightened the mood with a joke about his own history with the US, referencing a 1970s media attempt to marry him into the Nixon family.
“Had the media succeeded… I myself might have been married off within the Nixon family!” he quipped, drawing laughter from the room, including a clear smile from Trump.
He also acknowledged a recent trade deal between the two countries, which represents the first such agreement of the second Trump administration. The trade pact, which has been hailed as a significant step in the bilateral economic relationship, was a key topic of discussion among the attending business and government leaders.
Trump’s high praise for the royals
Speaking after the King, Trump expressed his immense gratitude for the second state visit, calling it “one of the highest honors of my life.” He noted that he was the first US president to be granted this distinction, a fact he said he hoped would remain unique.
“It’s a lot of presidents, and this was the second state visit, and that’s the first, and maybe that’s going to be the last time, I hope it is actually,” he said with a smile.
Trump offered a touching tribute to the royal family, calling King Charles a “very, very special man” and noting his respect for the King and his country.
He also paid tribute to the Prince and Princess of Wales, praising Prince William as “really amazing” and describing Princess Catherine, who is recovering from cancer, as looking “so radiant, so healthy and so beautiful.”
The evening served as a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between the US and the UK – a relationship described by Trump as being like “two notes in one chord or two verses in the same poem.”
