Prince William Pulls Out Melania Trump’s Chair at Windsor State Banquet as UK‑US Bond Is Emphasized

Prince William pulled out a chair for First Lady Melania Trump during a lavish state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening, as U.S. President Donald Trump and the First Lady attended a ceremony hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The moment, captured on video, showed the Prince of Wales guiding Melania to her seat beside Queen Camilla, a courteous gesture that drew attention amid the formality of the night. The banquet, one of the crown’s most high-profile social events, drew dignitaries, diplomats and celebrities from across the globe in a show of unity between the United Kingdom and the United States.

William, 43, appeared in a black Windsor tailcoat with a blue sash and the star of the Order of the Garter, along with insignia denoting his roles as a Knight of the Order of the Thistle and as Great Master of the Order of the Bath. He wore four medals — from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilees, and the King’s coronation medal — as he escorted Melania to her seat. Melania Trump, 55, was radiant in a floor-length sunshine-yellow gown cinched at the waist with a pink belt, accessorized with dangling blue earrings. The scene captured the formal etiquette that frames the royal-hosted dinners at Windsor.

The guest list for the state banquet typically includes dignitaries, diplomats and notable figures, with about 160 attendees this year. Queen Camilla wore a sapphire-toned ensemble complemented by her tiara and jewelry, while Catherine, the Princess of Wales, appeared in couture by Phillipa Lepley, pairing a hand-embroidered gold chantilly lace coat with a dress underneath and the late Queen’s Lover’s Knot tiara. The King’s speech blended warmth with a sober assessment of the global moment, acknowledging Britain and the United States as “two great nations” with an “unparalleled partnership.” He recalled the long history of cooperation and sacrifice shared by the two peoples and spoke of the enduring link that extends beyond the political to cultural, scientific, defense, security, intelligence, military and environmental collaboration.

In his toast, the King offered a moment of humor as he reminded guests of the shared past and the modern bond between the nations. He referenced the War of Independence and noted that his five-times great-grandfather, King George III, did not spare his words when speaking of revolutionary leaders. Still, he insisted that today’s relationship is one of closest kin, even as the ocean between them remains. He also lightheartedly recalled a 1970s anecdote about former President Richard Nixon’s fascination with the Royal Family, joking that a different outcome then might have changed history. He concluded by reiterating that the partnership is anchored in shared values and a mutual commitment to independence and liberty, and he toasted the “remarkable bond” between the two nations.

Trump opened his remarks by calling the state visit one of the highest honors of his life, drawing laughter with a self-deprecating line about the frequency of state visits and joking that he hoped this might be the last time he would be the guest in such a setting. He praised King Charles for his leadership and for knowing the names of all the guests, including those with difficult names, and he lauded the monarch for his work with wounded veterans and his broader legacy in defense, culture and humanitarian efforts. The president also paid tribute to the United Kingdom’s resilience and the strength of the Anglo-American alliance, describing their relationship as more than special and likening it to two notes in a single chord that must be played together. He lauded the war-time alliance’s contribution to Ukraine’s security and to the broader defense of freedom.

Trump was accompanied by several family members, including Tiffany Trump and her husband Michael Boulos, who also attended the 2019 state visit. The presence of the younger generation underscored the ongoing nature of the relationship and its ceremonial importance in contemporary diplomacy.

The banquet is a symbol of a long-standing diplomatic tradition between the United Kingdom and the United States, often described in terms of a “special relationship.” While the event centers on ritual and pageantry, it also serves as a platform for signaling broader policy alignment on issues from defense to global stability and economic collaboration. Observers noted the contrast between the light, humorous moments and the serious undertones of the discussions on Ukraine and European security, underscoring the balance royal hosts seek to strike between ceremony and substance during state visits.

Overall, the Windsor state banquet demonstrated the enduring affinity between the United States and the United Kingdom, reinforced by formal toasts, shared memories, and the visible courtesy that accompanies one of the world’s most high-profile diplomatic occasions. As leaders departed Windsor, officials signaled that the conversations conducted behind the scenes would continue in the days ahead, with a focus on continuing cooperation on security, trade, technology and global challenges facing both nations. The gesture by Prince William toward Melania Trump, framed by the scent of ceremony and the weight of history, added a human moment to a night designed to project unity and resilience in an uncertain era.