James Middleton says he’s proud to be British as William and Kate host Trump at Windsor state banquet
The state banquet at Windsor Castle drew royals, politicians and notable figures; James Middleton publicly praised his sister and brother-in-law amid the U.S. visit.
James Middleton, the brother of Catherine, Princess of Wales, said he is 'proud to be British' after his sister and brother-in-law attended a state banquet at Windsor Castle welcoming U.S. President Donald Trump. The gala honoring the president drew more than 150 attendees, including royals, politicians and other figures with ties to both the United Kingdom and the United States.
Kate wore a couture gown by British designer Phillipa Lepley, featuring a full-length, hand-embroidered gold Chantilly lace evening coat over silk crepe. She accessorized with diamond earrings that belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II. William wore a White Tie Windsor tailcoat, paired with the Most Noble Order of the Garter sash and miniature medals. Ahead of the dinner, the Waleses posted a photo with the caption 'Ready for The State Banquet 🇺🇸🇬🇧', and James commented, 'Proud to be British.'
During the dinner, the president and King Charles delivered speeches. Catherine sat next to Trump, exchanging smiles and clinking glasses during a toast. Trump praised Charles, telling guests he had raised a 'remarkable son' — a remark that did not reference the king's estranged youngest son, Prince Harry, who left royal life in 2020 for the United States. Trump also expressed warmth about the visit, telling Charles that he and Melania were delighted to visit again and to see Catherine so radiant and healthy, so beautiful, calling the evening 'one of the highest honors of my life.'
Trump's remarks included praise for King Charles's philanthropic work and his leadership, underscoring the close ties between the United Kingdom and the United States. He emphasized the king's character and the strong alliance between the two nations, while noting William's bright future and the long-standing friendship between their countries. In the formal address, Trump did not mention Prince Harry by name, a notable omission given ongoing royal dynamics.
The banquet, held at Windsor for the visiting president, brought together royals, politicians and public figures with ties to both nations. The seating and speeches highlighted the ceremonial role of the monarchy in U.K.–U.S. diplomacy, while delivering a moment of public homage to the royal family’s ongoing leadership on the world stage. As the event concluded, the narrative centered on the relationship between the Queen's heirs, the president's praise, and the visible warmth between Catherine and Trump during the toast, a scene that underscored the still-deep ties between the two countries in a time of shifting global relations.