In the grand St. George’s Hall at Windsor Castle—a space that felt equal parts medieval banquet and Harry Potter set—around 160 guests gathered for a glittering state dinner honoring U.S. President Donald Trump, on Sept. 17.
The British royal couple warmly welcomed the radiant First Lady, Melania Trump, who turned heads in a striking yellow dress cinched with a lilac belt—a choice that sparked lively debate on social media—alongside President Trump himself.
A Who’s Who of Politics and Power
The guest list read like a global summit of influence. Apple CEO Tim Cook sat beside the president’s daughter, Tiffany Trump. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch shared conversation with Keir Starmer’s chief advisor, Morgan McSweeney.
At the 47-meter-long table, the heads of state occupied the center: President Trump flanked by King Charles and the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, while Melania, labeled “Mrs. Trump,” sat across from them between Queen Camilla and the Prince of Wales.
The seating chart fostered some intriguing pairings: U.S. Ambassador Warren Stephens was nestled between Princess Anne and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer dined next to Blackstone’s billionaire CEO, Stephen Schwarzman. Conservative leader Penny Mordaunt joined AI pioneer Sam Altman for conversation, highlighting the night’s mix of politics, business, and innovation.
Other notable attendees included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy. Among the sporting stars present were golfer Nick Faldo and equestrian champion Kathrine Grainger.
Music With a Message
American journalists accompanying the president noted that the dinner music reflected some of Trump’s favorites, possibly signaling subtle messages to the assembled politicians. The evening’s soundtrack ranged from Puccini’s Nessun Dorma (“None Shall Sleep”) to the Rolling Stones’ You Can’t Always Get What You Want.
A French-Inspired Feast
Guests dined on a menu written in French, featuring:
• Starter: Cardamom panna cotta with Parmesan biscuit and quail egg salad.
• Main Course: Organic Norfolk chicken ballotin wrapped in zucchini, with a thyme and savory-infused sauce.
• Dessert: Vanilla ice cream bombe with Kent blackberry sorbet, accompanied by lightly poached Victoria plums.
The meal was paired with a prestigious wine selection:
• Wiston Estate, Cuvée, 2016
• Domaine Bonneau de Martray, Corton-Charlemagne, Grand Cru, 2018
• Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello, 2000
• Pol Roger, Extra Cuvée de Réserve, 1998
Symbolism in Every Sip
After dinner, the drinks carried their own symbolic weight. A 1945 port honored Trump as the 45th president, despite his abstinence from alcohol, and a 1912 cognac marked the birth year of Trump’s Scottish-born mother. For the adventurous, a bespoke cocktail—the Transatlantic Whisky Sour—combined whisky, tangy marmalade, pecan foam, and a caramelized marshmallow atop a biscuit.
