Trump hails King Charles during Windsor visit, hints at future state visit and trade talks

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump used his Windsor state visit to praise King Charles III, calling him "wonderful" and saying they spoke about a UK trade deal during the stay. Trump told Fox News that the monarch "likes to talk about the environment" but was "more interested in trade" and that the two had been together "for a long time" over the two-day visit at Windsor Castle.

He described Charles as a "tremendous man" who "really stepped into a very tough position" after Queen Elizabeth II's death in 2022, noting the king's health issues including a cancer diagnosis in February 2024. The president said Charles "went through pretty tough stuff medically" and praised how he ascended the throne, calling following a beloved queen "tough." "Having to follow Queen Elizabeth is very... she's got the all-time record probably," Trump said, "but she was really beloved." He added that the visit included discussion of a trade deal with the UK that he said would be "a great deal for both," and that the prime minister and his representatives were involved.

Trump also told Fox that the monarch "was more interested in trade than anything else" and that "we spoke about many things, we were together for a long time." He noted Charles "loves the environment too" but emphasized trade. He said the two had "two days" together, and added that Charles "went through pretty tough stuff medically" but is "doing great." He described him as "a great person" and "a tremendous man." He described meeting Charles when he was prince and now as king, and credited the king with how he handled the transition after Elizabeth II's death.

A senior White House official told The Telegraph that Trump was so impressed by the visit that he is considering inviting Charles to the United States for a state visit. The official called the trip "really fantastic" and said the British "set the bar high" for the state visit.

When asked about the best part of the UK trip, Trump replied: "I don't know, I think just being with King Charles. He's a wonderful guy." He also described the broader reception as "nice" and said the press coverage was positive.

The trip featured interactions that reflected the "soft power and diplomacy" described by royal aides. A royal source said the visit and all pomp and pageantry created an "awesome spectacle" and that the visiting delegation was "very easy to deal with" and "very appreciative of the hospitality." The source noted that Charles and the president had a private tea in the King's drawing room after the beating retreat ceremony on Wednesday.

During the farewell at Windsor's Sovereign's Entrance, Trump and Charles exchanged a warm handshake, with Trump placing his hand on the King's and giving a brief pat on the arm as they spoke to cameras. The president told the crowd, "He's a great gentleman — a great gentleman and a great King." He then departed in his Beast Cadillac after a final exchange of smiles with the king.

First Lady Melania Trump and the Princess of Wales also drew attention during the visit after the two women hosted Scouts who received sandwiches made with honey from Kate's beehive. Trump said Melania thought the moment was great, and he added that he sat with the First Lady and that she found the experience meaningful. He described William as "wonderful" and reiterated that he knew Charles as a prince and now as king, saying he is "doing very well".

A royal source described the state visit as a success, noting that the president and first lady were "very easy to deal with" and that the spectacle was well received by guests and media on both sides of the Atlantic. The source framed the trip as a demonstration of soft power and diplomacy, with all elements of pomp and pageantry contributing to a positive impression of the alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom. The private tea in the King’s drawing room underscored the personal, informal exchanges that accompanied the formal program.