Trumps sit down with Britain’s royals for lavish state banquet in London
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President Trump sat down with Britain’s long-reigning Queen Elizabeth II for a lavish state banquet at historic Buckingham Palace in London on Monday.
The three-course affair got underway shortly before 9 p.m. local time there and capped off the first day of Trump’s visit to the country, a pomp-laden affair that included a wreath-laying and tour at Westminster Abbey.
Trump and the monarch made repeated reference to the historic bonds between the two countries, forged through the turmoil of the 20th Century’s two world wars.
“On that day and many occasions since, the armed forces of both our countries fought side by side to defend our cherished values of liberty and democracy,” Elizabeth told the dignitaries who filled the ballroom as Trump sat next to her.
Elizabeth, who was crowned The Queen in 1952, also made mention of Trump’s Scottish heritage, saying he possesses “a particular connection to this country.”
The president returned the favor in his opening remarks.
“When Britain stood alone during the blitz of 1940 and 1941, the Nazi war machine dropped thousands of bombs on this country, and right on this magnificent city. Buckingham Palace alone was bombed on 16 separate occasions,” Trump said. “In that dark hour, the people of this nation showed the world what it means to be British.”
“In April 1945, newspapers featured a picture of the queen mother visiting the woman’s branch of the army, watching a young woman repair a military truck engine,” he added. “That young mechanic was the future queen, a great, great woman.
A total of 171 people were set to attend the state-sanctioned soiree, where the guests will feast on three courses that feature fillets of halibut with watercress mousse and asparagus, lamb with herb stuffing and spring vegetables, plus a strawberry sable. The impressive wine selection included Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1990.
Trump was joined by his wife, Melania, and four adult children — Don Jr., Eric, Ivanka and Tiffany — as well as National Security Advisor John Bolton and American Ambassador Woody Johnson.
The list of British dignitaries, including Prime Minister Theresa May; Prince Charles and his wife, Camila; and Prince William.
However, William’s brother, Prince Harry, did not attend the state dinner.
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Harry and Trump met during a private lunch earlier Monday, following the firestorm that erupted after the president called the prince’s wife, Meghan, “nasty.”
