President Donald Trump made immediate comments about Princess Kate Middleton’s appearance during his second state visit to the United Kingdom on September 17, 2025, drawing attention to his remarks both upon arrival and during a formal state banquet later that evening.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived at Windsor Castle aboard Marine One at 12:14 p.m., landing 20 minutes behind schedule. The Prince and Princess of Wales were positioned as the first royal welcoming party at the castle’s Walled Garden, where they greeted the American delegation with handshakes and smiles.
According to expert lip reader Jeremy Freeman, who analyzed footage of the greeting, Trump immediately told Kate upon meeting her: “You’re beautiful, so beautiful.” The princess responded to the compliment by smiling back at the president, taking the remark in stride according to multiple reports.
The initial greeting was followed by introductions to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Victoria House. The royal couple then participated in a carriage procession through the Windsor Estate, with Charles riding alongside Trump while Camilla accompanied Melania in a separate coach. A royal salute was fired from First World War-era cannons on the castle’s east lawn and at the Tower of London during the ceremonial welcome.
Trump’s comments about Kate’s appearance continued during the state banquet that evening, where he was seated next to the Princess of Wales at the 160-person dinner. During his speech to the assembled dignitaries, Trump addressed Kate directly, describing her as appearing so radiant, so healthy and so beautiful, according to a White House pool report. The princess was seen nodding and smiling in response to these remarks during the formal address.
The president’s comments came after a challenging period for both Kate and King Charles, who were both diagnosed with cancer in 2024. Neither has disclosed the specific type of cancer they faced. Kate announced earlier in 2025 that her cancer is in remission, making Trump’s references to her looking “healthy” particularly notable given her recent health struggles.
Trump also praised Prince William during his banquet speech, telling Charles that he has a remarkable son in the Prince of Wales. The president indicated that William would have an unbelievable success and future, demonstrating his continued admiration for the British royal family that spans decades.
This pattern of commenting on royal appearances is not new for Trump. During a private meeting with Prince William in Paris, France, in 2024, he described the prince as good-looking and very handsome to the New York Post. Trump previously described the late Queen Elizabeth II as a grand and beautiful lady following his first state visit in 2019.
The president has maintained a long-standing fascination with the British royal family, though some of his past comments have generated controversy. In a 1997 interview with Howard Stern, just months after Princess Diana’s death, Trump claimed he could have gotten with the late princess. Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, later cast doubt on Trump’s claims in 2023, stating that Diana viewed Trump negatively when he used her name to sell real estate in New York.
The state visit included several formal elements beyond the banquet. Trump and Melania privately paid their respects at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb, participated in a special Beating Retreat military ceremony, and attended various meetings with senior royals throughout their stay.
Kate’s fashion choices during the visit also drew attention, as she wore a striking burgundy coat dress with the Prince of Wales Feathers Brooch during the daytime greeting. For the evening banquet, she selected a show-stopping gold gown from British designer Phillipa Lepley, completed with Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara, marking her first tiara appearance in 19 months.
The visit was not without controversy, as four people were arrested after projecting images of Trump alongside Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle on Tuesday night. Additionally, approximately 3,000 protesters gathered in central London to demonstrate against Trump’s unprecedented second state visit, while others held signs outside the castle grounds.
The following day, Kate and Melania participated in a joint engagement at Frogmore Gardens, where they met with members of the Scouts’ Squirrels program. The two women coordinated their outfits in earthy tones and participated in crafts activities with children, who received “Go Wild” badges for learning about nature during the visit.
