By andrew rose
Windsor Castle, UK – September 18, 2025
In a dazzling display of diplomacy and humor, King Charles III stole the spotlight at a lavish State Banquet held at Windsor Castle on Wednesday night, hosted in honor of U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. The event, a celebration of the enduring “unparalleled partnership” between the United States and the United Kingdom, took an unexpected turn when the British monarch playfully referenced a quirky chapter from his past involving former U.S. President Richard Nixon. With a twinkle in his eye, Charles quipped that Nixon’s obsession with the British Royal Family nearly led to an arranged marriage with his daughter, Tricia Nixon, sending ripples of laughter through the grand dining hall.
Britain’s King Charles III delivers a speech during a State Banquet at Windsor Castle(AFP)
The banquet, attended by high-profile dignitaries and adorned with the opulence of Windsor Castle’s historic interiors, underscored the deep historical ties between the two nations. Charles, delivering a warm and witty speech, reflected on his first visit to the United States in 1970 and the more than 20 visits that followed. “Throughout my life, I have cherished the close ties between the British and American people,” he said, according to a report by *People*. However, it was his next remark that turned heads: “Had the media succeeded in the 1970s in their own attempt at deepening the special relationship, I might have been married off within the Nixon family!”
The anecdote harked back to 1970 when a young Prince Charles, then in his early 20s, visited the U.S. alongside his sister, Princess Anne, at Nixon’s invitation. The former president, known for his admiration of the British monarchy, reportedly hailed Charles as the “real gem” of the Royal Family, suggesting his visit could bolster U.S.-British relations. Nixon’s enthusiasm reportedly extended to matchmaking, with plans to pair Charles with his elder daughter, Tricia. Historical accounts note that Charles attended a baseball game and a state dinner in Tricia’s honor during that visit, sparking media speculation about a potential royal-American union. However, those plans fizzled out, and Tricia married Edward F. Cox, a Harvard Law student, on June 12, 1971.
Charles’s lighthearted revelation added a personal touch to the evening, blending nostalgia with diplomacy. The king’s humor was well-received, with Trump and Melania among the guests chuckling at the unexpected twist. The First Lady, dressed in a striking yellow gown that had earlier drawn comparisons to a “banana” on social media, smiled graciously, while Trump nodded in approval, reinforcing the jovial atmosphere. The menu, featuring delicacies like chicken ballotine, and a playlist including Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer,” further highlighted the cultural exchange.
The timing of the banquet coincided with heightened interest in Anglo-American relations, especially as Trump’s visit aimed to strengthen transatlantic ties. Online reactions to the meeting have been explosive, with social media buzzing about the historic handshake between the U.S. president and the British monarch. Charles’s speech also touched on the broader legacy of U.S.-UK collaboration, a theme that resonated amid ongoing global challenges.
Nixon’s fascination with the Royals is not a new story, but Charles’s public acknowledgment brought fresh attention to it. Historians note that the former president’s admiration was part of a broader strategy to align the U.S. with British traditions during a period of Cold War tensions. Yet, the idea of a royal marriage remained a whimsical footnote, overshadowed by Charles’s eventual marriage to Princess Diana in 1981—a union that ended in divorce before he rekindled his romance with Camilla Parker-Bowles, now Queen Camilla.
The State Banquet was not just a moment of levity but also a showcase of pageantry. Charles, resplendent in formal attire, delivered his speech against a backdrop of chandeliers and ornate decor, with Trump and Melania seated prominently. The event’s grandeur was amplified by the presence of British and American flags, symbolizing unity. Security was tight, reflecting the high stakes of the visit, while protesters outside the castle voiced mixed opinions on Trump’s policies.
As the evening drew to a close, Charles’s quip about Nixon lingered as a highlight, blending history with humor. It served as a reminder of the personal connections that often underpin international relations. For Trump, the visit marked another chapter in his global engagements, while for Charles, it was a chance to showcase his wit on a world stage.
The banquet’s success was evident in the warm exchanges captured by photographers and the positive buzz on platforms like X, where users praised the monarch’s charm. As the two leaders toasted to future cooperation, the night stood as a testament to the enduring alliance between the U.S. and the UK, spiced with a dash of royal humor.