Donald Trump’s interactions with the British Royal Family have been anything but ordinary. Over the years, the President of the United States and his wife, Melania, have had several meetings with the Royals, each one marked by varying degrees of tension and awkwardness. These encounters have certainly not gone unnoticed, with some being described as less than pleasant, especially with Queen Elizabeth. Despite the drama, these meetings offer insight into the complexities of diplomatic relations between Trump and the British monarchy.
The Queen’s Disapproval of Trump
One of the most significant interactions between Trump and the British Royal Family occurred during his 2018 state visit to the UK. Meeting Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, Trump’s behavior reportedly did not sit well with the monarch. According to Craig Brown, author of Voyage Around The Queen, the Queen found Trump to be “very rude” during their encounter. Brown claims that the Queen was particularly bothered by Trump’s tendency to look over her shoulder as though searching for someone more interesting. The Queen’s displeasure was shared with a close confidante shortly after the meeting, confirming that her experience with Trump wasn’t as warm as he might have hoped.
Trump’s Response to the Allegations
Naturally, Trump rejected these claims, calling them “totally false” in an interview with The Daily Mail. The former reality TV star and businessman dismissed Brown’s characterization of the meeting, instead claiming that he had a great relationship with the Queen. He even went so far as to assert that Queen Elizabeth considered him her “favorite president,” claiming that she had shared this sentiment with multiple people. While Trump’s version of events sharply contrasts with the reports, it highlights the ever-present clash between his self-image and the perceptions of others, especially regarding his diplomatic relationships.
Melania Trump’s Connection to King Charles
While Donald’s relationship with the Royals has been a topic of much scrutiny, Melania Trump has carved out a unique bond with the British Royal Family. In her memoir, Melania, she revealed that she has maintained ongoing correspondence with King Charles III since their first meeting in 2005. Their connection reportedly began when they met at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, where they engaged in a conversation about environmental conservation. This continued friendship has led to regular letter exchanges between the two, and Melania even expressed her gratitude to Queen Elizabeth in her memoir after her passing in 2022.
Queen Elizabeth’s Impersonations of the Trumps
Queen Elizabeth’s interactions with Donald and Melania were not just marked by diplomacy but also a bit of royal humor. According to royal expert Ephraim Hardcastle, the Queen had a knack for impersonating both Donald and Melania. The Queen’s impersonation of Melania became a favorite pastime, with Her Majesty reportedly mimicking Melania’s bored expression and muttering, “I want to be alone,” much like the famous actress Marlene Dietrich. While it may seem surprising, this lighthearted approach from the Queen offers a glimpse into the more personal side of her public persona—one that combined humor with an understanding of the Trumps’ sometimes awkward dynamic with the Royal Family.
The Future of Trump and the Royal Family’s Relationship
Despite the drama and awkwardness that have characterized past interactions, the relationship between the Trumps and the British Royal Family continues to evolve. Prince William, in particular, has been working to strengthen the ties between the United Kingdom and the United States, viewing his connection with Donald Trump as an important part of his preparation for kingship. Royal experts believe that navigating relationships with global leaders, even those with whom he may not personally agree, is crucial for the future monarch’s ability to maintain Britain’s position in world politics. The Trumps, especially Donald, will likely continue to be involved in the Royal Family’s events, whether publicly or privately, for years to come.
