Donald Trump Calls Princess Kate 'Beautiful' — Not Once, But Twice in Sweet Gesture

US President Donald Trump officially commenced his UK state visit, arriving with his wife, Melania, at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, September 17. Upon arrival, he was visibly awestruck by Kate Middleton as she joined Prince William in welcoming them. During their greeting, Donald couldn’t stop showering praises, calling the Princess of Wales ‘beautiful’ not once, but twice, followed by a carriage-led procession. The President has similarly praised the Prince of Wales in the past, which goes to show his admiration of the Waleses.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are given the important role of welcoming state heads after King Charles ascended the throne in 2022. After stepping off Marine One, Donald greeted William with a firm handshake and a pat on the shoulder before turning to Middleton and gushing, "You’re beautiful, so beautiful." Indeed, the Princess looked stunning in her maroon Emilia Wickstead dress, pairing it with a Jane Taylor hat and a brooch that once belonged to her late mother-in-law. After the sweet exchange, William guided the group forward, placing his hand behind Middleton’s and Melania’s backs, as they walked together in sync. Later, the four participated in a carriage procession around the Palace grounds. 

After the welcome, the Trumps exchanged handshakes with Charles and Queen Camilla, followed by a Royal Salute fired from both the East Lawn of Windsor Castle and at the Tower of London. For the carriage procession, Donald was seated beside Charles while Melania accompanied Camilla. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment escorted the royals and the Trumps, while military bands from the Royal Marines, Army, and Royal Air Force performed both the US and UK national anthems. Later in the afternoon, the presidential couple joined the King and Queen Consort in the Castle's Green Drawing Room to view a special display of items from the Royal Collection.

Perhaps the most awaited part of the visit was the pompous state banquet dinner, where Charles pulled out all the stops to make the Trumps feel at home. At the banquet, Donald, meanwhile, once again complimented the Princess of Wales. He said during the speech, "Melania and I are delighted to visit with Prince William and to see Her Royal Highness, Princess Catherine. So radiant, so healthy, and so beautiful,” which Middleton received with a gracious smile. His comments come after a difficult year for Middleton, who announced in March 2024 that she was undergoing treatment for cancer. As of January 2025, she is now in remission.

As for Donald’s deep admiration for the Waleses, he has showered similar praise on William's looks in the past. After the opening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in December 2024, he told the New York Post, "He’s a good-looking guy. He looked really, very handsome last night. "Some people look better in person? He looked great. He looked really nice, and I told him that." This state visit marks Donald's second one to the UK, which is scheduled to end on September 18, following an engagement at Chequers.