The president gave a speech during a state dinner, but his choice of words has sparked yet more criticism about him ‘breaking protocol’.
Donald Trump has been criticised over remarks made about Princess of Wales Kate Middleton during a state dinner.
The US president is currently on his second state visit to the UK – an unprecedented event for a president as most only have one.
As part of the itinerary the president spoke at a state dinner on 17 September which was hosted by senior members of the royal family including King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales William, and Kate Middleton.
Trump, 79, is known for his rambling and bombastic style of public speaking that frequently features off the cuff remarks playing to the crowd.
But this was a very different audience to one of Trump’s rallies and many have criticised the tone of the speech as inappropriate, especially remarks about Kate.
Standing next to King Charles and reading from notes, Trump said: “I just wanna say that His Majesty has also raised a remarkable son in His Royal Highness Prince of Wales, really amazing.
“Really amazing, we’ve gotten to know you and I think you’re going to have an unbelievable success in future.”
He continued: “Melania and I are delighted to visit again with Prince William, and to see her Royal Highness Princess Catherine.”
Trump turned to Kate, saying: “So radiant and so healthy, so beautiful, it’s a really great honour, thank you.”
The ‘healthy’ remark is most likely a reference to the Princess’ recent struggle with cancer.
Kate publicly confirmed her diagnosis in March 2024, and in January 2025 announced the good news that after undergoing treatment she was in remission.
Many took to social media to criticise Trump’s tone in the speech, which some also took as a subtle dig at Prince Harry by only mentioning ‘one son’.
“He needs to quit talking about how beautiful the Princess of Wales is,” wrote one. “It is wildly inappropriate. Its good to see you looking healthy. That’s it full stop.”
Another said they were figuratively left curling up in awkwardness at the remarks, writing: “Radiant, healthy, and beautiful made me cringe so hard I broke teeth.”
Meanwhile a third clocked Charles’ reaction to the speech, saying: “Charles literally laughed at his remarks to Catherine.”
One person took things further, pointing out this isn’t the first time Trump has ‘broken protocol’.
“Every time he opens his mouth he makes it worse and breakers more protocol,” they wrote. “How do I know these rules and he doesn’t?
“Completely incompetent, look at the Kings face, he knows he [is] inexcusable.”
On his previous state visit Trump was criticised when he walked in front of the late Queen Elizabeth II, a breach of royal etiquette.
