Windsor, England – During the historic second state visit of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, a moment of lighthearted banter broke the royal protocol. As they waited for the Trumps to arrive at Windsor Castle, Prince William reportedly quipped to his wife, Princess Catherine, that the U.S. President had “missed their little chats.”
The U.S. First Couple arrived about 15 minutes behind their scheduled noon meeting, stepping out of their Marine One helicopter and onto the Windsor lawn. According to lip reader Nicola Hickling, a cordial exchange ensued. Trump greeted Prince William with a friendly “Hello my friend, how are ya?” while also complimenting Kate, saying, “You’re beautiful.”
The two couples then began walking across the lawn toward King Charles and Queen Camilla, who were waiting to welcome them. As they walked, Trump asked about the well-being of William and Kate’s children—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7—to which William replied that they were all doing well and had recently started a new school term.
It was during this walk that Prince William made his joke. After Trump remarked that it had been a while since they had chatted, William turned to Kate and said, “He has missed our little chats,” before adding to Trump, “We can talk now you’re here on a visit.”
The Trumps’ visit included a formal welcome ceremony where they were received by King Charles and Queen Camilla under a tent, due to light rain. The King was seen beaming and gesturing for Trump to walk ahead of him to inspect the guard, a moment that highlighted the significance of the diplomatic visit.