During a state banquet at Windsor Castle, part of his official visit to the United Kingdom, former U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a speech that resonated with diplomatic warmth but also sparked intrigue due to a conspicuous omission. In his address, Trump lavished praise on King Charles III and Prince William, describing the Prince of Wales as a “remarkable son” and “really amazing,” while commending Princess Catherine for her radiant health and beauty. However, the absence of any mention of Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, stood out, particularly given Harry’s global recognition for founding the Invictus Games, a celebrated initiative for wounded veterans. Instead, Trump highlighted King Charles’ work with injured servicemen, stating that the King had “tended to wounded veterans like nobody else.” This selective acknowledgment has fueled speculation about Trump’s intentions, especially in light of his past criticisms of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle.
The banquet, a hallmark of diplomatic tradition, was attended by senior members of the royal family, British government officials, and prominent figures from both the U.S. and the U.K. It was a moment to reinforce the “special relationship” between the two nations, a bond Trump described as “priceless and eternal.” Yet, the absence of any reference to Prince Harry, who has been a prominent figure in both British and international circles, was notable. This omission aligns with Trump’s history of publicly critiquing Harry and Meghan, raising questions about whether the exclusion was a deliberate snub or simply a reflection of the event’s focus.
A Diplomatic Spotlight on Charles and William
The state banquet, held in the grandeur of Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Hall, was a carefully choreographed affair. The hall, adorned with centuries-old tapestries and gleaming chandeliers, provided a fitting backdrop for Trump’s remarks, which were delivered with his characteristic blend of enthusiasm and showmanship. King Charles III, who ascended the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, was the focal point of Trump’s praise. The former president lauded Charles’ dedication to public service, particularly his work with veterans. “King Charles has tended to wounded veterans like nobody else,” Trump said, his voice carrying across the room. “His commitment to those who have served is truly inspiring, and it’s something we in America deeply admire.”
Trump’s remarks about Prince William were equally effusive. He described the Prince of Wales as a “remarkable son” and “really amazing,” emphasizing William’s role as a future king and his contributions to various charitable causes. The mention of Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales, was particularly warm. “She’s so radiant and so healthy, so beautiful,” Trump said, alluding to Catherine’s recovery from a health challenge earlier in her public life. These comments were met with polite applause from the assembled guests, who included Prime Minister Keir Starmer, members of the British cabinet, and U.S. dignitaries accompanying Trump.
The speech was a carefully crafted ode to the Anglo-American alliance, with Trump emphasizing shared history, values, and mutual interests. “The bond between our two nations is priceless and eternal,” he declared, invoking the legacy of cooperation during times of war, peace, and global challenges. He referenced historical moments, from the alliance in World War II to modern collaborations in trade and security, painting a picture of unity that resonated with the audience. Yet, for all its warmth, the speech was notable for what it did not include: any acknowledgment of Prince Harry, whose contributions to veterans’ causes through the Invictus Games have earned him international acclaim.
The Omission of Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the younger son of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, has long been associated with his work supporting wounded veterans. The Invictus Games, which he founded in 2014, is a global sporting event that celebrates the resilience of injured servicemen and women. The initiative has been widely praised for its impact, providing a platform for veterans to showcase their strength and determination while fostering camaraderie and healing. Given the context of Trump’s praise for King Charles’ work with veterans, the absence of any mention of Harry’s contributions was striking.
This omission did not occur in a vacuum. Trump has a well-documented history of publicly criticizing both Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. Over the years, he has accused the couple of being “disrespectful” to Queen Elizabeth II, called Meghan “terrible,” and claimed that Harry had “betrayed” his family by stepping back from royal duties in 2020. These remarks, often made in interviews or on social media platforms like X, have contributed to a narrative of tension between Trump and the Sussexes. During his presidency and beyond, Trump has not shied away from expressing his opinions on the British royal family, often aligning himself with traditionalist views that favor the monarchy’s established hierarchy.
The decision to exclude Harry from the speech may have been a calculated move, reflecting Trump’s personal sentiments or a desire to align himself with the working royals—those who continue to carry out official duties on behalf of the monarchy. Harry and Meghan, who relocated to California in 2020 after stepping back from their roles as senior royals, have pursued independent ventures, including media projects and philanthropy. Their decision to distance themselves from the royal family has been a point of contention in the U.K. and beyond, with some viewing it as a betrayal of tradition and others seeing it as a bold step toward personal freedom.
At the time of the banquet, Harry and Meghan were not in the U.K. The Duke of Sussex had been in Britain the previous week, engaging in charity work related to the Invictus Games, before traveling to Ukraine to support veterans’ initiatives in the war-torn country. Meghan, meanwhile, remained in California, where the couple resides with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Their absence from the banquet was unsurprising, given their reduced involvement in official royal events, but Trump’s failure to acknowledge Harry’s contributions, even in passing, added a layer of intrigue to the evening.
A History of Tension
To fully understand the significance of Trump’s omission, it’s worth examining the broader context of his relationship with Harry and Meghan. Trump’s criticisms of the couple date back to at least 2019, when he described Meghan as “nasty” in response to comments she had made during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, in which she expressed support for Hillary Clinton. The remark, made in an interview with The Sun, set the tone for a series of public jabs. In 2020, as Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back from royal duties, Trump weighed in, stating that he was “not a fan” of the couple and suggesting that they had disrespected Queen Elizabeth II.
In subsequent years, Trump’s rhetoric intensified. In a 2022 interview with Piers Morgan, he accused Harry of betraying his family, particularly by sharing personal details in his memoir, Spare, which was published in 2023. The book, a candid account of Harry’s life within the royal family, included revelations about tensions with his brother, Prince William, and his father, King Charles. Trump, who has often positioned himself as a defender of traditional values, appeared to take issue with Harry’s willingness to air private matters publicly. “Harry’s been led astray,” he said in one interview, implying that Meghan had influenced his decisions.
These comments have not gone unnoticed by the Sussexes or their supporters. In a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry and Meghan addressed the challenges they faced within the royal family and the media, including the lack of support they felt during their time as working royals. While they have largely avoided responding directly to Trump’s criticisms, their decision to remain in California and focus on their independent projects suggests a desire to distance themselves from such controversies.
Trump’s remarks at the Windsor Castle banquet, therefore, can be seen as a continuation of this dynamic. By focusing his praise on King Charles and Prince William, Trump aligned himself with the monarchy’s current leadership and its future, while sidestepping any acknowledgment of Harry’s contributions. Whether this was a deliberate slight or simply a reflection of the speech’s focus remains a matter of speculation.
The Broader Context of the Visit
Trump’s visit to the U.K. was part of a broader diplomatic effort to strengthen ties between the U.S. and its closest ally. The state visit, which included meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other officials, was an opportunity to discuss trade, security, and global challenges, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. The banquet at Windsor Castle was a highlight of the visit, offering a moment of pomp and ceremony amid the serious business of diplomacy.
For King Charles, the event was an opportunity to showcase the monarchy’s role in fostering international relations. Since ascending the throne, Charles has sought to balance tradition with a modern approach, emphasizing issues such as environmental sustainability, veterans’ welfare, and youth empowerment. His work with injured servicemen, which Trump highlighted in his speech, includes patronage of organizations like the Royal British Legion and visits to rehabilitation centers for veterans. These efforts have been a cornerstone of his public life, both as Prince of Wales and now as King.
Prince William, too, has taken on a prominent role in supporting veterans and other causes. His work with the Passage, a homelessness charity, and his focus on mental health initiatives have earned him widespread respect. Princess Catherine’s recovery from a cancer diagnosis, which she announced in 2024, has been a source of public admiration, and Trump’s comments about her health were likely intended to resonate with those who have followed her journey.
In this context, Trump’s speech was a calculated blend of flattery and diplomacy, designed to appeal to his hosts while reinforcing his own public persona. By focusing on Charles, William, and Catherine, he highlighted figures who embody the monarchy’s continuity and public service, while avoiding any mention of Harry, whose departure from royal duties remains a polarizing topic.
Public and Media Reactions
The omission of Prince Harry from Trump’s speech did not go unnoticed by the media or the public. British tabloids, which have long covered the royal family with fervor, were quick to seize on the apparent snub. Headlines such as “Trump Snubs Harry at Banquet” and “No Love for Harry from Trump” appeared in outlets like The Sun and The Daily Mail, with commentators speculating about the motivations behind the exclusion. Some suggested that Trump was catering to royalist sentiments, appealing to those who view Harry and Meghan’s departure as a betrayal. Others argued that the omission was simply a matter of protocol, as Harry is no longer a working royal.
On social media platforms like X, reactions were mixed. Supporters of Harry and Meghan pointed to the omission as evidence of Trump’s pettiness, with one user posting, “Trump can’t resist taking a dig at Harry, even at a state banquet. Classless.” Others, however, defended Trump’s focus on Charles and William, arguing that it was appropriate to highlight the monarchy’s current leadership. “Harry made his choice to leave,” one user wrote. “Why should Trump mention him?”
In the U.S., the story received less attention but still sparked discussion among royal watchers and political commentators. Some viewed Trump’s remarks as a strategic move to align himself with the monarchy’s traditionalists, while others saw it as a missed opportunity to acknowledge the Invictus Games, which has a significant following among American veterans.
Implications for the Future
The Windsor Castle banquet, while a single event, carries broader implications for the dynamics within the royal family and the U.S.-U.K. relationship. For Prince Harry, the omission may reinforce his sense of estrangement from the monarchy and its public-facing duties. His decision to step back from royal life was driven, in part, by a desire to protect his family’s privacy and mental health, but it has come at the cost of reduced visibility in official settings. Trump’s speech, whether intentionally or not, underscored this reality.
For Trump, the speech was a chance to project strength and charm on the international stage, qualities that have defined his public persona. By focusing on King Charles and Prince William, he positioned himself as a friend to the monarchy’s core, while avoiding the controversy that surrounds Harry and Meghan. Whether this was a deliberate slight or a pragmatic choice, it reflects the complex interplay of personal opinions and diplomatic strategy.
As for the “special relationship” between the U.S. and the U.K., the banquet served as a reminder of its enduring strength, even in the face of personal and political differences. King Charles, in his role as host, emphasized unity and shared purpose, qualities that have defined the alliance for decades. Yet, the absence of Prince Harry from Trump’s remarks was a subtle but unmistakable note in an otherwise harmonious evening, leaving observers to ponder the unspoken tensions beneath the surface.
