The Princess of Wales Stuns at State Banquet as Royals Host President Trump at Windsor Castle

The Princess of Wales Stuns at State Banquet as Royals Host President Trump at Windsor Castle

The Prince and Princess of Wales joined His Majesty The King and Queen Camilla in welcoming U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to a state banquet held in their honour at St George’s Hall, Windsor Castle.

The Princess of Wales captivated guests in a striking bespoke evening ensemble by British designer Phillipa Lepley. Her look featured a full-length, hand-embroidered gold lace evening coat worn over a silk crepe gown. The coat was adorned with intricately embroidered roses using couched gold cording, French knots, and satin-stitched blooms—an elegant tribute to British artistry and craftsmanship.

Complementing her ensemble, the Princess wore several distinguished honors, including:

The Royal Family Order of King Charles III

The Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II

The Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) and its Star and Sash

The Prince of Wales opted for traditional white tie and tails, accompanied by:

The Most Noble Order of the Garter Sash with the Lesser George

Miniature medals for the Order of the Bath and the Queen’s Golden, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilee and Coronation

The Chest Orders of the Garter and Thistle

The Neck Order of the Order of the Bath

Ahead of the evening, the couple shared a formal photograph on social media with the caption: “Ready for The State Banquet.”

President Trump, seated beside the Princess during the dinner, reportedly remarked on her “beauty” and “radiance.” Meanwhile, Queen Camilla donned a regal royal blue silk marocain gown by Fiona Clare, paired with a sapphire and diamond tiara and The King’s Family Order.

First Lady Melania Trump made a bold fashion statement in a fitted, off-the-shoulder yellow gown with a contrasting pink belt—evoking comparisons to high-fashion couture with a modern edge.

A Symbolic and Thoughtful Menu

Continuing a personal tradition, His Majesty The King commissioned a bespoke cocktail for the evening. The transatlantic whisky sour, blending Johnnie Walker Black with citrusy marmalade, was crowned with pecan foam and garnished with a toasted marshmallow atop a star-shaped biscuit—a tribute to the warmth of an American fireside s’more.

Although President Trump is known to abstain from alcohol, the carefully curated drink menu paid homage to his personal and family heritage. Offerings included:

Warre’s 1945 Vintage Port, recognizing his position as the 45th and 47th President of the United States

Hennessy 1912 Cognac, reflecting the birth year of his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod

Bowmore Queen’s Cask Whisky, originally gifted to Queen Elizabeth II, acknowledging the President’s Scottish lineage

The banquet menu, traditionally written in French, featured:

Hampshire watercress panna cotta, served with parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad

Organic Norfolk chicken ballotine, wrapped in courgettes with thyme and savory jus

Bombe glacée cardinal, a vanilla ice cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet and poached Victoria plums

Preparations and Atmosphere

Ahead of the evening, Their Majesties personally reviewed the table settings and floral arrangements—lavish displays of pink, purple, and yellow blooms adorned the 50-metre-long banquet table. The King and Queen were seen warmly greeting the Palace staff responsible for the event’s meticulous planning.

Earlier in the day, President Trump arrived at Windsor Castle via Marine One, flying from the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in London to avoid public demonstrations. Upon his arrival, he warmly greeted the King, whom he described as a “friend,” and the two shared moments of laughter and camaraderie throughout the day.

In a more intimate welcome, the President and First Lady were privately received at Victoria House—a little-known residence within the Royal Kitchen Gardens at Frogmore—where the Royal Family extended a family-oriented reception as part of their charm offensive for this historic second state visit by an American president.