Donald Trump takes subtle swipe at Prince Harry in state banquet speech

Donald Trump took a thinly veiled swipe at Prince Harry in his state banquet speech - with a pointed reference to his brother. When praising Prince William, Trump said that the King had raised a "remarkable son" - but seemed to leave out his other son Prince Harry.

Standing before King Charles III, Queen Camilla, the Princess of Wales, and an audience of dignitaries, the US President showered the Royal Family with praise. Specifically he hailed King Charles for raising a "remarkable son" while speaking warmly about Prince William's future. Mr Trump said: "He is going to have an unbelievable success in the future," before lauding Princess Catherine as "so radiant, so healthy, so beautiful."

The comment appeared to deliberately sideline Prince Harry, who has stepped back from royal duties and now lives in California with Meghan Markle.

The omission prompted speculation that Trump was drawing a line under Harry's strained ties with the monarchy.

While not explicitly critical, the remark was seen as a subtle yet pointed reminder of the Duke of Sussex's absence from frontline royal life.

Mr Trump continued to heap praise on the King, saying Charles had preserved "the glorious and unique character of this kingdom." He described his visit as "one of the highest honours of my life," adding that his respect for Britain stretched back "many decades."

King Charles responded in kind, acknowledging the enduring "special relationship" between the UK and US, and joking that the media once tried to marry him off into the Nixon family.

Both leaders paid tribute to the unity of their nations in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Mr Trump's words reinforced his long-standing admiration for the monarchy - but the fleeting swipe at Harry ensured the speech carried an extra edge.

The President, the first American leader to be granted a second state visit, quipped it might also be his last, before adding with a smile: "I hope it is actually."

The visit began with Prince William and his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, meeting the presidential helicopter in the private Walled Garden on the vast Windsor estate, then walking Mr Trump and first lady Melania Trump over to be greeted by Charles and Queen Camilla.

A gigantic royal standard, the flag used for official celebration days, flew from the Royal Tower.

The guests travelled to the castle in a procession of horse-drawn carriages, past ranks of soldiers, sailors and aviators.

The king and the Republican president chatted in the Irish State Coach during the short journey to the castle quadrangle, where both inspected an honour guard of soldiers in red tunics and bearskin hats.

They continued to chat and joke as the day progressed, with the King occasionally putting his hand on Mr Trump's back.

The president stepped in front of Charles during a review of troops after the King gestured for him to do so. The King's invitation avoided a violation of protocol, which was not the case in 2019, when Mr Trump stepped in front of Queen Elizabeth.