Donald Trump UK visit: King Charles, Queen Camilla host lavish state banquet at Windsor Castle

King Charles has reminded US President Donald Trump of the importance of the AUKUS defence pact, using his state banquet speech at Windsor Castle to highlight the nuclear submarine partnership with Australia as a “vital collaboration.”

The King’s address placed particular weight on the depth of the US-UK alliance, while also drawing attention to the trilateral arrangement with Canberra.

“Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine to deter aggression and secure peace,” he said.

“And our AUKUS submarine partnership with Australia sets the benchmark for innovative and vital collaboration.”

This was a notable intervention against the backdrop of an ongoing Pentagon review of AUKUS and just days before Mr Trump is due to meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the US.

King Charles’ wider speech celebrated the historic ties between the UK and the US.

“Our countries have the closest defence, security and intelligence relationship ever known,” the King declared.

“Our people have fought and died together for the values we hold dear.”

Without referring to specific wars, King Charles commended Mr Trump for his contribution to international diplomacy. He praised the President’s “personal commitment to finding solutions to some of the world’s most intractable conflicts.”

Mr Trump, striking a lighthearted but appreciative tone, referenced the historic nature of his repeat invitation.

“This is my second state visit – something which is a first,” he said.

“Maybe it will also be the last time, I hope it is actually,” he added, drawing laughter across the hall.

The remarks come as King Charles formally welcomes Mr Trump on his second official state visit to the UK, with the pomp and pageantry in full swing for the President, who arrived on Tuesday evening (local time).

The state banquet, held at St George’s Hall in Windsor Castle drew an international mix of royalty, politicians, and power players from business and technology.

The King entered the grand St George’s Hall with Mr Trump, followed by Queen Camilla with First Lady Melania Trump.

Prince William was paired with Paula Reynolds, the American chair of the UK’s national electricity grid, while Kate Middleton entered alongside Michael Boulous, husband of Tiffany Trump.

Other pairings included Princess Anne with the US ambassador to Britain, Warren Christopher, a wealthy investment banker, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio with Lady Victoria Starmer, the Prime Minister’s wife.

The guest list carried significant global influence. Apple’s Tim Cook, Nvidia chief Jensen Huang, and Blackstone boss Stephen Schwarzman were among the high-profile attendees.

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch also attended, with reports that he was seated next to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s senior adviser, Morgan McSweeney.

Earlier, the UK laid on what it said was the largest military ceremonial welcome for a state visit in living memory and Mr Trump, an overt royal fan.

“It’s a very special place,” Mr Trump said, adding that he loved the UK.

Sir Keir is hoping to use that sentiment to the UK’s advantage as his Government seeks to use the trip to cement the two countries’ “special relationship,” deepen economic ties, secure billions of dollars of investment, discuss tariffs and press Mr Trump on Ukraine and Israel.

Companies including Microsoft, Nvidia, Google and OpenAI have already pledged 31 billion pounds ($63 billion) in UK investments over the next few years in AI, quantum computing and civil nuclear energy.

Sir Keir also wants further progress on trade after the UK secured the first deal with Mr Trump to lower some tariffs.

“They want to see if they can refine the trade deal a little bit,” Mr Trump said on Tuesday.

- With Reuters, PA