A state dinner intended to strengthen US-UK diplomatic ties has instead become the center of a global controversy, as comments made by President Donald Trump about Princess Catherine have sparked intense criticism and reignited debates about presidential behavior on the international stage.
What was meant to be a historic celebration of the special relationship between two nations has become overshadowed by accusations of inappropriate conduct and breaches of centuries-old royal protocol that govern interactions with the British monarchy.
The Historic Setting and Unprecedented Honor
President Trump’s second state visit to the United Kingdom represents an extraordinary diplomatic milestone. Trump is currently on his second state visit to the UK – an unprecedented event for a president as most only have one. This rare honor places Trump in an exclusive category, as he becomes the first elected political leader in modern times to receive two formal state visits from the British monarchy.
The state dinner on September 17 was hosted by senior members of the royal family including King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales William, and Kate Middleton. The lavish event at Windsor Castle brought together 160 guests, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, technology leaders, and diplomatic officials from both nations.
The evening was designed to showcase the pomp and pageantry that Britain is renowned for, with the royal family pulling out all the stops to honor the American president. The banquet featured a specially created cocktail called the “Transatlantic Whisky Sour,” blending Johnnie Walker Black with marmalade, topped with pecan foam and garnished with a toasted marshmallow. Personal touches included serving Hennessy 1912 Cognac Grande Champagne from Trump’s mother’s birth year, acknowledging his Scottish heritage.
The Comments That Sparked Controversy
Standing beside King Charles III and reading from prepared notes, Trump delivered remarks that would quickly become the focus of international attention. Trump said: “I just wanna say that His Majesty has also raised a remarkable son in His Royal Highness Prince of Wales, really amazing. Really amazing, we’ve gotten to know you and I think you’re going to have an unbelievable success in future.”
He continued: “Melania and I are delighted to visit again with Prince William, and to see her Royal Highness Princess Catherine.” Trump then turned to Kate, saying: “So radiant and so healthy, so beautiful, it’s a really great honour, thank you.”
The reference to Catherine being “healthy” carried particular significance given her recent cancer journey. Kate publicly confirmed her diagnosis in March 2024, and in January 2025 announced the good news that after undergoing treatment she was in remission.
While supporters viewed the comments as genuine warmth and acknowledgment of Catherine’s recovery, critics saw them as inappropriate for the formal diplomatic setting and a breach of royal protocol.
The Social Media Storm Erupts
The reaction on social media was swift and largely negative, with users criticizing both the content and tone of Trump’s remarks. “He needs to quit talking about how beautiful the Princess of Wales is,” wrote one critic. “It is wildly inappropriate. Its good to see you looking healthy. That’s it full stop.”
Another user expressed their discomfort more dramatically: “Radiant, healthy, and beautiful made me cringe so hard I broke teeth.” The visceral nature of some reactions highlighted how deeply Trump’s words had affected royal watchers and protocol observers.
Social media users also noted King Charles’s reaction, with one observer writing: “Charles literally laughed at his remarks to Catherine.” Video footage of the king’s response became part of the broader discussion about how the royal family handled Trump’s unconventional approach to diplomatic etiquette.
Some critics connected Trump’s comments to broader patterns of protocol violations. “Every time he opens his mouth he makes it worse and breaks more protocol,” one user complained. “How do I know these rules and he doesn’t? Completely incompetent, look at the King’s face, he knows he [is] inexcusable.”
A Pattern of Protocol Breaches
The controversy extends beyond just the dinner speech. As soon as the president stepped off Marine One, he shook Middleton’s hand and said, “You’re beautiful, so beautiful.” This immediate focus on Catherine’s appearance set the tone for what would become a day filled with protocol questions.
Royal experts noted that it’s not necessarily against royal protocol to compliment a member of the British royal family. However, remarks are usually more along the lines of appreciating their outfit. Trump’s direct comments about Catherine’s physical appearance were seen by many as crossing traditional diplomatic boundaries.
On his previous state visit Trump was criticised when he walked in front of the late Queen Elizabeth II, a breach of royal etiquette. This established pattern of protocol violations has made his current visit’s controversies seem less like isolated incidents and more like a consistent approach to royal interactions.
Additional protocol concerns emerged throughout the day. Donald Trump was criticized on social media for tucking in Princess Kate’s chair during the State Banquet at Windsor Castle. As Kate sat down, there was a man behind ready to tuck in her chair but Trump also leaned over to help. A clip of this moment went viral, viewed 217,000 times, with critics posting messages like “Ew, don’t touch her chair.”
The Harry Speculation and Royal Dynamics
Many took to social media to criticise Trump’s tone in the speech, which some also took as a subtle dig at Prince Harry by only mentioning ‘one son’. This interpretation added another layer to the controversy, suggesting that Trump’s comments may have carried diplomatic undertones regarding the royal family’s internal dynamics.
The speculation about Prince Harry references highlighted how every word of Trump’s speech was being analyzed for deeper meaning. Royal commentators noted that the careful phrasing in diplomatic speeches is typically designed to avoid any appearance of taking sides in family matters or making political statements about royal relationships.
Body Language and Physical Interactions Under Scrutiny
Beyond verbal comments, Trump’s physical interactions with the royal family drew criticism. After footage of Trump’s initial meeting with Kate was shared on social media, a number of onlookers had their eyes drawn to the pair’s handshake. Trump appeared to shake Kate’s hand with some serious vigour.
In the clip, the American instigates the greeting, going on to pull the mother-of-three somewhat towards him, either intentionally or inadvertently breaking major protocol. Royal protocol typically calls for gentle, respectful greetings, and the vigorous nature of Trump’s handshake style, which he’s known for in American politics, was seen as inappropriate for royal interactions.
Traditional royal greetings involve more formal approaches. Royal fans weighed in on the greeting in the comments, noting that it’s customary to give royal family members a slight bow or curtsy instead of shaking hands. Comments included questions like “Why didn’t the President bow in front of the king?” and observations about Trump’s tendency to pull people toward him during handshakes.
Historical Context of Presidential Visits
State visits between the United States and the United Kingdom have long been symbolic of the “special relationship” that binds the two nations. Traditionally, these visits are carefully choreographed, with every gesture, remark, and protocol detail reviewed in advance to ensure the events project unity and mutual respect.
Past presidents, from Dwight Eisenhower to Barack Obama, have used their UK visits to strengthen alliances, celebrate shared history, and affirm cultural ties. While occasional controversies have emerged — such as George W. Bush’s overly casual demeanor during a garden press event or Obama’s informal toast to Queen Elizabeth II being overshadowed by the orchestra prematurely playing “God Save the Queen” — these moments were quickly forgotten and rarely rose to the level of full-blown diplomatic disputes.
Trump’s two visits, however, have consistently generated controversy. From walking in front of the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2018 to making highly personal remarks to members of the royal family in 2025, his behavior has often been described as more “showman” than “statesman.” Critics argue that these breaches undermine the careful traditions of diplomacy, while supporters counter that his informal approach humanizes what many view as overly rigid ceremonies.
International Reaction and Media Coverage
The fallout from Trump’s remarks about Princess Catherine has not been limited to Britain and the United States. European media outlets, particularly in France and Germany, highlighted the controversy as evidence of America’s growing disregard for international etiquette. French newspaper Le Monde ran the headline: “When Trump Meets Tradition: The Clash of Two Worlds,” while Germany’s Der Spiegel described the remarks as “crass and culturally tone-deaf.”
In the United States, coverage was sharply divided along political lines. Liberal-leaning outlets like CNN and The New York Times described the comments as embarrassing and damaging to America’s global image. Conservative outlets, however, defended Trump, with Fox News framing his remarks as “a genuine expression of warmth and admiration” and calling criticism “manufactured outrage from elites.”
British tabloids, meanwhile, seized on the story with characteristic fervor. The Daily Mail featured headlines such as “Trump’s ‘Healthy and Radiant’ Comment Sparks Outrage” alongside photos of Kate’s composed reaction. The Sun ran viral clips of Trump tucking in Kate’s chair and shaking her hand vigorously, generating millions of online views.
Diplomatic Repercussions and Policy Concerns
Behind the media frenzy lies a serious diplomatic question: how do these protocol breaches affect broader US-UK relations? At a time when both nations are negotiating critical trade agreements, intelligence-sharing arrangements, and military cooperation, the optics of the presidential visit take on heightened importance.
British officials, speaking anonymously to the press, expressed frustration that the controversies risk overshadowing substantive policy discussions. “We put weeks of planning into ensuring everything runs smoothly,” one diplomat told The Guardian. “Instead, we’re talking about handshakes and chair-pulling.”
American officials, on the other hand, have downplayed the controversy. A White House spokesperson stated: “The President’s remarks were meant as compliments, and any attempt to twist them into insults is politically motivated. Our relationship with the United Kingdom remains as strong as ever.”
The Royal Family’s Balancing Act
The royal family’s response has been watched as closely as Trump’s behavior. Catherine, in particular, has been praised for her grace under scrutiny. Despite being at the center of the controversy, she carried herself with composure throughout the evening, smiling, engaging in polite conversation, and showing no visible signs of discomfort.
King Charles, too, has been scrutinized for his subtle expressions and body language. While some critics interpreted his chuckle at Trump’s remarks as mockery, others argued it was a diplomatic effort to diffuse tension. Royal experts have pointed out that Charles, having spent decades preparing for his role as monarch, is well-versed in maintaining composure under awkward circumstances.
The Prince of Wales, William, has largely remained silent on the controversy, but observers noted his watchful presence during the dinner. Royal insiders suggested that William’s priority was ensuring Catherine felt supported and comfortable throughout the evening, regardless of Trump’s comments.
Cultural Clash: America vs. Britain
At its core, the controversy underscores a deeper cultural clash between American informality and British formality. In the United States, political leaders often rely on humor, spontaneity, and personal warmth to connect with their audiences. Compliments and casual remarks are not only common but expected in American political culture.
In Britain, however, particularly within the context of royal protocol, restraint and formality are paramount. Compliments must be carefully worded, and physical gestures are tightly controlled. For many Britons, Trump’s comments came across not as warmth, but as a failure to respect centuries-old traditions designed to uphold the monarchy’s dignity.
This cultural gap has been evident throughout Trump’s political career. His blunt style, which resonates with his base in the United States, often clashes with international norms. The Windsor dinner controversy illustrates how those differences can play out on the global stage, sometimes with awkward — and politically consequential — results.
Long-Term Impact on Trump’s Image
For Trump, the controversy may ultimately reinforce existing perceptions rather than create new ones. His supporters are unlikely to be swayed, viewing the uproar as yet another example of the media and elites unfairly targeting him. His critics, meanwhile, see the incident as proof of his inability to adapt to the demands of international diplomacy.
What remains uncertain is how the controversy will affect Trump’s relationships with world leaders. Diplomacy often depends on personal rapport, and repeated breaches of protocol may strain even the strongest alliances. While the UK government has emphasized the enduring strength of the special relationship, there is little doubt that behind closed doors, officials are growing weary of managing the fallout from Trump’s unconventional style.
Lessons for Future Diplomacy
The Windsor controversy raises broader questions about the future of diplomacy in an increasingly informal world. As political leaders rely more heavily on social media and cultivate personal brands that emphasize authenticity over tradition, the tension between protocol and personality is likely to intensify.
Will future leaders embrace a more casual, American-style approach to international interactions, or will they uphold traditional diplomatic norms? The answer may shape the course of global relations in the decades to come.
For now, the Windsor dinner will be remembered not for its culinary excellence or historic significance, but for a single moment in which words meant as compliments became the center of a global debate about respect, protocol, and the delicate art of diplomacy.
