18 September, 2025

Sean Coughlan Royal Correspondent Welcome to Royal Watch. We're in Windsor this week for a historic second state visit by US President Donald Trump. It's been a mixture of royal ceremony, glamour and international diplomacy - a spectacular show put on for the presidential guests. What were they eating at the state banquet? Which celebrity guests were there? Read on to find out - and send your views on the visit to royalwatch@bbc.co.uk. ‌ Earlier this week, the Royal Family also attended the funeral of the Duchess of Kent, whose life of helping others really gathered public interest. And test your royal trivia with our quiz.

Trump gets treated royally at state visit President Trump hailed his second state visit to the UK as one of the "highest honours" of his life. His enthusiastic speech at the state banquet, praising the King, Queen and Prince and Princess of Wales, suggested it was a job well done by the royals in making him feel welcome. ‌ He had been suitably wowed and wooed, with marching bands, the lavish state banquet, an ornate carriage ride around a picture-perfect Windsor Castle and a series of carefully choreographed military parades. It was soft power turned up to the max.

The Trumps, King Charles and the Queen on the way to the banquet. Credit: Reuters The "special relationship" between the UK and US seemed to emerge stronger after a day of elaborate ceremonies, with the president saying "the word 'special' does not begin to do it justice". If the intention was to flatter Trump, it seemed to have worked.  ‌ And having gained his attention, the serious business of a state visit ran alongside. The King's speech at the banquet, which will have been written in close consultation with the UK government, pushed messages about maintaining support for Ukraine and challenging "tyranny".

The guest of honour sat next to King Charles and Catherine. Credit: PA Billions of dollars of US investments in the UK were also announced, with many big technology firms represented at the banquet. ‌ Trump is a deeply polarising figure, and there were protests in London and Windsor against his visit. ‌ But none of that was visible inside the castle, as the whole visit took place away from the public. So the president will be left with a warm glow that the UK government will hope translates into the strengthening of an old alliance. And it's a reminder that the royals can put on a show like few others.

In pictures: Trump and Melania meet royals at Windsor

What was on the menu? The banquet - the centrepiece of a state visit - was held this time in St George's Hall inside Windsor Castle, while Buckingham Palace is under repairs. ‌ It's a remarkable sight, a cross between a medieval feast and something from a Harry Potter film. There were 160 guests, sitting behind 1,452 pieces of sparkling cutlery, with each place setting having five different glasses. It takes days to prepare the 47m (154ft) long table, which groans under the weight of decorations and flowers.

St George's Hall was a remarkable sight on Wednesday night. Credit: PA The menu on such occasions is always written in French, but it translated as: ‌ Hampshire watercress panna cotta with Parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad ‌ Organic Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgettes with a thyme and savoury infused jus ‌ Vanilla ice cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet interior with lightly poached Victoria plums ‌ The guest list didn't have as many celebrity faces as usual. But along with the royals, the US visitors and politicians, there was a sprinkling of technology and business bosses. Tim Cook from Apple and press baron Rupert Murdoch were there, along with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

What was on the menu and who was on guest list at state banquet?

Royal quiz The royals are known for their long and fond interest in horses. Who is the only reigning British monarch to have owned an Epsom Derby winner? A. Queen Elizabeth II B. King Edward VII C. King George VI Read further down for the answer.

The princess and the First Lady There was also fascination with what everyone was wearing during the state visit. ‌ And it was a sweet moment - literally - when First Lady Melania Trump and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, met a group of young Scouts earlier today.

Chief Scout Dwayne Fields (left) introduced the pair to members of the Scouts' Squirrels. Credit: PA Catherine gave out sandwiches spread with honey from the hives at her home at Anmer Hall in Norfolk. And Melania gave the children jars of honey from the White House.

Sweet treats for Kate and Melania as they host Scouts

Pope's praise at duchess's historic funeral There was another historic royal moment this week, with the funeral of Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, who had died at the age of 92. ‌ This was the first Catholic funeral for a member of the Royal Family in modern history and a message from Pope Leo was read out, praising her  "devoted care for vulnerable people".

Crowds gathered outside Westminster Cathedral in London. Credit: Reuters King Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales joined the Duke of Kent and other mourners at Westminster Cathedral. Queen Camilla couldn't attend because she was suffering from acute sinusitis.

Katharine is pictured here at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2000. Credit: Getty Images But what came across most strongly was how widely respected the duchess was, working quietly for charities and teaching music without seeking any publicity.

King at Duchess of Kent's funeral but ill Queen did not attend

Your Royal watch Last week, we asked what you thought the King should talk to US President Donald Trump about during his second state visit. ‌ Many of you highlighted Israel's offensive in Gaza. This included Daniel in the UK, who said the King should raise "Ukraine, Palestine, and most importantly the climate crisis".  ‌ Juliet, from the UK, said: "It might be worth reminding Mr Trump that he is King of Canada." ‌ Meanwhile, Kathleen suggested limiting topics to "idle chitchat about the weather, his garden, and French wines," in order to remain "politically neutral".  ‌ "It really doesn't matter what King Charles wants to talk about. Trump never listens to anyone!" wrote Shoshana in Montreal, Canada.  ‌ Charles has now hosted two US presidents since becoming King. How do you think Trump's latest state visit will be remembered in the future? Please remember to include your name and what country you're writing from. Send us your thoughts on royalwatch@bbc.co.uk.

A piece of royal history Queen Elizabeth II met 13 US presidents during her 70-year reign. Here she is pictured with President Dwight D. Eisenhower at a White House state banquet in 1957.

Credit: Getty Images Lyndon B Johnson, who served as US president from 1963 to 1969, was the only US leader the late Queen didn't meet during her reign.

In pictures: Queen's meetings with past US presidents

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Answer B. King Edward VII was the first and only reigning monarch to own a Derby winner. His horse Minoru won the world's greatest flat race in 1909. As an owner, Queen Elizabeth II won four of the five British Classic races. But the biggest prize of all, the Derby, eluded her, coming closest in her Coronation year of 1953 when her horse Aureole finished second. Read more about the late Queen's passion for horse racing and breeding here.