 "King Charles and Donald Trump Exchange Lavish Praise at UK State Banquet as Rupert Murdoch's Attendance, Fashion Statements, and Protests Steal Spotlight 3")
A lesson in lavishing praise
At the state banquet, King Charles and Donald Trump delivered speeches that were a study in contrasts. The two exchanged compliments about each other’s nation’s history, with the elected president praising the British Empire and the hereditary monarch praising US democracy.
“The British Empire laid the foundations of law, liberty, free speech, and individual rights virtually everywhere the Union Jack has ever flown,” said Trump.
King Charles, in return, spoke of his long admiration for “the principles of freedom which your great democracy has represented since its inception”. He also had warm words for Trump personally on diplomacy, notable given that the US president frequently claims credit for ending seven wars since his January inauguration
“Our countries are working together in support of crucial diplomatic efforts, not least of which, Mr President, is your own personal commitment to finding solutions to some of the world’s most intractable conflicts, in order to secure peace,” said Charles.
When Trump got up to speak, he called his second state visit to the UK “ one of the highest honours of my life”. He also marvelled at the castle’s architecture and complimented Prince William as a “remarkable son.”
In his brief speech, the president also emphasised the bond between the US and UK, saying the “special relationship” between the countries “does not begin to do it justice.”
At the end of his speech, Trump, however, boasted, calling the US “the hottest country.” “We had a very sick country one year ago,” he said. “Today, I believe we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world.”
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More ShortsAn awkward guest makes the cut
But besides the glitz and glamour at the state banquet it was the attendance of one individual that created buzz. That person was Rupert Murdoch, the media baron. Notably, Trump has sued him and the Wall Street Journal for $10 billion in June over the publication of an article about him and the late Epstein.
The Journal reported that in 2003 the then-real estate tycoon wrote a suggestive birthday letter to Epstein. Trump denies that he wrote the letter or signed it. The scandal has already cast a shadow over the visit as UK ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson was sacked days before over his own ties to the disgraced Epstein.
But Murdoch remained on the guest list with the 94-year-old being spotted mingling with other guests but seated far along the huge table from the US president.
Tiaras and the fashion & An awkward guest makes the cut
While many are watching Trump’s UK state visit unfold for its political ramifications, there are many who are closely observing it for the fashion, courtesy Princess Catherine and US First Lady Melania Trump. And as expected, both of them didn’t disappoint.
Earlier in the day, Melania opted for a wide-brimmed purple hat and paired it with a sleek grey Dior suit. The dramatic piece concealed part of her face with experts noting that it was her effort to place the focus on her husband’s agenda rather than drawing attention to herself.
Meanwhile, Princess Kate wore a burgundy Emilia Wickstead dress, topped with a matching Jane Taylor hat. Her outfit, complete with a feather brooch, matched the Prince of Wales’s burgundy tie, showing solidarity and alignment with both her husband and the UK’s interests.
Tiaras and the fashion
While many are watching Trump’s UK state visit unfold for its political ramifications, there are many who are closely observing it for the fashion, courtesy Princess Catherine and US First Lady Melania Trump. And as expected, both of them didn’t disappoint.
Earlier in the day, Melania opted for a wide-brimmed purple hat and paired it with a sleek grey Dior suit. The dramatic piece concealed part of her face with experts noting that it was her effort to place the focus on her husband’s agenda rather than drawing attention to herself.
Meanwhile, Princess Kate wore a burgundy Emilia Wickstead dress, topped with a matching Jane Taylor hat. Her outfit, complete with a feather brooch, matched the Prince of Wales’s burgundy tie, showing solidarity and alignment with both her husband and the UK’s interests.
Tiaras and the fashion & Tiaras and the fashion
For the state banquet, the two women once again changed, opting for ball gowns. Melania wore a canary yellow off-the-shoulder gown with a lilac belt from Carolina Herrera, which she styled with large emerald earrings and a pair of nude, pointy-toe pumps. Kate, on the other hand, chose a floor-length Phillipa Lepley gown for the occasion. The cream silk dress hugged her figure, and she wore a gold overlay atop the simple gown. She paired the dress with the Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara, which originally belonged to Queen Mary.
The protesters had various reasons to come out; some said it was Trump’s autocratic behaviour, others called him out for supporting Israel’s genocide in Gaza while some others also lamented his climate policies.
But it seems that the US president either ignored or remained oblivious to the protests that unfolded around him as he continued to bask in the pomp and pageantry.
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