Trump Briefly Explores Royal Artefacts During UK State Visit

During his second state visit to the United Kingdom, Donald Trump spent a mere five minutes viewing royal artefacts at Windsor Castle. The visit took place on March 15, 2024, where Trump expressed admiration for the displayed items, describing them as the “real deal.” Despite his brief stay in the Green Drawing Room, the U.S. President made enthusiastic comments about the treasures, underlining his claimed affection for the British royal family.

Highlights of the Royal Collection Tour

Upon his arrival, Trump was escorted through the Green Drawing Room, which featured a selection of artefacts from the Royal Collection. Among the items he viewed was an art deco cocktail shaker shaped like a penguin, which he referred to as part of the “fun fun fun” table. Additionally, he examined a letter from the Queen Mother, written to a young Queen Elizabeth II, detailing her experience with hot dogs during a 1939 visit to America.

While walking with King Charles III, who highlighted various exhibits, Trump remarked on the letters, paintings, and photographs, calling them “fantastic” and “wonderful.” He also expressed a particular interest in artefacts related to American Independence, indicating his desire to connect the historical significance of these items with contemporary relations.

Engagement with Historical Significance

Among the treasures presented to Trump were letters from King George III and maps depicting critical events of the American Revolution, including the siege of Yorktown. Trump commented, “It was at the beginning, right?” as he appreciated the historical context of the maps. Stella Panayotova, royal librarian and assistant keeper of the royal archives, noted that these specific items had been requested by Trump ahead of his visit.

Another significant document shown to the President was a letter from Abraham Lincoln to Queen Victoria, offering condolences following the death of Prince Albert. Trump reacted to the letter by saying, “That’s so amazing, that’s the real deal,” highlighting the importance of the historical correspondence in defining the special relationship between the two nations.

Trump also viewed an essay by King George III, expressing hopes for a new relationship with America based on trade after independence. The essay illustrated the monarch’s desire for a positive bilateral relationship, stating, “We shall reap more advantages from their trade as friends than ever we could derive from them as Colonies.”

While Trump’s visit was notably short, members of the royal family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, engaged more deeply with the exhibits. The Princess expressed her fascination with the stories behind the artefacts, commenting, “There’s so much story behind it,” while examining handwritten letters from George III.

The royal gathering included a private lunch attended by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who hosted their American guests prior to the artefact viewing. The visit underscored the ongoing diplomatic ties between the UK and the United States, as both nations continue to navigate their historical relationship.

As the Trumps departed Windsor Castle, it was evident that while the visit was brief, it served as a reminder of the enduring connections between the two countries, personified through these historical artefacts.