Donald Trump has said he ate “whatever they hell they served us” during a banquet staged in his honour at Windsor Castle.
Trump said being with the “wonderful” King was the best part of his historic state visit to the UK, as he heaped praise on the royal family following his departure.
The US leader said he saw more paintings “than any human being has ever saw” and when asked what he ate at the Windsor Castle banquet staged in his honour, he said: “Whatever the hell they served us.”
Guests at the lavish event – attended by “the biggest people in the world” according to Mr Trump – were treated to Hampshire watercress panna cotta with parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad, followed by organic Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgettes, with a thyme and savoury infused jus.
Mr Trump, who is known to have a sweet tooth, is likely to have enjoyed the dessert – a bombe glacee cardinal, which is a vanilla ice cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet interior with lightly poached Victoria plums.
Key Points
- Trump ate ‘whatever the hell they served us’ at Windsor Castle banquet
- Donald Trump’s helicopter diverted to Luton airport
- Trump waves as he boards Air Force One at conclusion of UK state visit
- Trump says he 'disagrees' with Starmer on immigration and energy on flight home
- President suggests Starmer call in the military to stop illegal immigration
COMMENT: Starmer’s tech deal is a national security gamble – and ties us too closely to Trump
11:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe rest of Europe is working hard to move away from dependence on US technology – particularly when it comes to AI, writes Katja Bego. But the UK is moving the other way for quick cash and false promises.
Starmer’s tech deal is a national security gamble – and ties us too closely to Trump
WATCH: Trump praises 'radiant, healthy, and beautiful' Kate at state banquet
10:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWhat did the UK get out of Trump's state visit?
09:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDonald Trump’s state visit to the UK was undoubtedly the story grabbing the headlines this week.
But now the remarkable theatrics of the visit are over, attention is turning to the political benefits of hosting the US president.
Arguably the biggest winner for the UK was tech, after a deal was signed which will see US firms invest in the UK and boost co-operation on AI, quantum and other emerging technologies.
Mr Trump said: “This agreement will also help America and our British allies dominate the future of artificial intelligence.”
He pointed out the US is “leading China and the world by a lot” on AI.
At a joint press conference with Mr Trump, Sir Keir said: “We’ve renewed the special relationship for a new era.
“It’s our chance to ensure that technologies like AI, quantum and others amplify human potential, solve problems, cure diseases, make us richer and freer, strengthen democracy not tyranny.”
'Our brand is in crisis' : Trump staffer caught on hot mic during Starmer meeting
07:00 , Daniel KeaneOne of President Donald Trump’s most recognisable aides invoked a madcap Sandra Bullock film to describe the administration in which he serves during a business roundtable held as part of Trump’s historic visit to the UK earlier this week.
White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf was caught on a hot microphone exchanging pleasantries with British participants in the roundtable, which featured Trump, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and a group of corporate luminaries from both countries on the second day of the president’s historic second state visit.
Scharf, whose job includes managing the flow of paperwork to and from the Oval Office, is best known as the White House official who hands Trump documents during public appearances while often offering him a brief description of what he is about to sign.
As he was greeting an unknown person, he was asked how things were going.
At first he replied, “wonderful” before adding an unexpected aside: “Our brand is crisis.”
Read our full story below.
‘Our brand is crisis:’ Trump staffer caught on hot mic citing Sandra Bullock satire
Recap: How Trump reacted to Starmer's plan to recognise Palestinian statehood
06:00 , Daniel KeaneDonald Trump has been vocal in his opposition to Sir Keir Starmer’s plan to recognise a Palestinian state, which is set to happen before the UN General Assembly.
At a press conference during Trump’s state visit on Thursday, Sir Keir confirmed they had discussed his plans and that recognition of a Palestinian state would be “part of that overall package which hopefully takes us from the appalling situation we're in now to the outcome of a safe and secure Israel, which we do not have, and a viable Palestinian state”.
He also described Hamas as terrorists, prompting Mr Trump to give Sir Keir a supportive and exaggerated pat on the back.
Now Donald Trump has gone home, can the Brits un-cringe?
05:00 , Daniel KeaneHosting the US president in such a lavish and brown-nosing manner has bolstered his already gigantic sense of his own importance. He might try and wangle a third state visit, says Imogen West-Knights.
Read her full story below.
Trump and Sadiq Khan: A brief timeline of a long-running feud
04:00 , Daniel KeaneDonald Trump has said he “didn’t want” Sir Sadiq Khan at events put on for his second state visit to the UK, escalating his feud with the London mayor by describing him as “among the worst mayors in the world”.
The two men’s spat dates back to at least 2015, when the Labour politician condemned the then presidential hopeful’s suggestion that Muslims should be banned from travelling to the US.
The row intensified when the president criticised the mayor’s response to the London Bridge terror attack, and in 2018 Sir Sadiq’s office gave permission for an inflatable depicting Mr Trump as a baby to fly in Parliament Square as the Republican visited the UK.
During his first official state visit, Mr Trump tweeted that Sir Sadiq “has done a terrible job as mayor of London” and was “a stone-cold loser who should focus on crime in London, not me”.
As Mr Trump was sworn into the White House for a second term, Sir Sadiq warned of a “resurgent fascism”.
King's role in a state visit explained
03:00 , Daniel KeaneThe UK is a constitutional monarchy, meaning the king’s powers are limited by law, and are largely used by the UK government rather than the royal family.
While the king is able to “advise and warn”, decisions are ultimately taken by the government. In that sense, the king reigns, but does not rule.
Nonetheless, the monarchy is very useful in delicate diplomatic situations. Wielding significant soft power in international diplomacy and serving as a visible symbol of stability and continuity on the global stage as head of the Commonwealth, the king can promote shared values and cooperation across borders.
Why do state visits exist?
02:00 , Daniel KeaneFormal visits by foreign heads of state are generally aimed at strengthening international relationships.
The invitation for this visit was handed to Donald Trump in the Oval Office, on camera, by Keir Starmer at a time when the British prime minister was seeking to act as the bridge between the US and Europe over the war in Ukraine.
While many countries have state visits, their ceremonial style varies. In the US, ceremonial honours usually involve arrival on the White House South Lawn, accompanied by a military band, a 21-gun salute and then a state dinner.
But it is the scale and grandeur of the UK’s carriage processions, state banquets, speeches in parliament and military pageantry, tied to the monarchy’s long history, which make them a powerful diplomatic tool for the UK.
Read our full story below.
Why do state visits exist? The real reason behind Trump’s arrival in the UK
Trump and Starmer shouldn’t bask long in the glow of a state visit – the world just got a lot more dangerous
01:00 , Daniel Keane
While Trump enjoyed the parades the world got a lot more dangerous
‘Weak and cringeworthy’ or 'important'?: The Independent readers have their say over Trump visit
Sunday 21 September 2025 00:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s readers are split over the necessity and importance of Trump’s state visit.
Commenters highlighted the contrast between the pomp and the struggles of ordinary citizens, noting rising food insecurity and underfunded public services.
At the same time, a minority acknowledged the potential diplomatic and economic benefits of hosting Trump.
You can read more views from fellow readers below.
‘Weak and cringeworthy’: Trump’s second UK state visit sparks division
WATCH: Trump takes swipe at Prince Harry during state banquet speech
Saturday 20 September 2025 23:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRECAP: All you need to know about Trump's visit to the UK
Saturday 20 September 2025 22:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA stunning banquet, castle invitations, and behind closed doors negotiations were just the headlines of Donald Trump’s historic second state visit to the UK.
Behind the scenes, every move was choreographed to perfection for an unforgettable diplomatic occasion.
Jane Dalton has the full story of the day below...
Trump hails ‘priceless’ UK-US bond as King and Queen lead charm offensive
The British winners and losers from Trump's visit
Saturday 20 September 2025 21:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWhile Trump was treated to all the bells and whistles of a state visit, important deals in tech and trade were made between the US and UK.
But while some industries won millions of US dollars in investment, others were left empty handed.
You can read all about the winners and losers from Trump’s visit below.
The British business winners and losers after US £150bn investment pledge
EXCLUSIVE: Donald Trump set to invite King Charles to White House after state visit success
Saturday 20 September 2025 20:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe US president is set to invite King Charles to the White House after his successful state visit to the UK this week.
Talks are underway for a major royal visit to mark the historic anniversary, and The Independent understands Prince William is prepared to attend in his father’s place if King Charles’s schedule does not allow.
David Maddox has the full story...
Donald Trump set to invite King Charles to White House after state visit success
WATCH: The Royal Butler shares unique insight into Trump's state banquet
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSteel industry left 'disappointed' by Trump's visit
Saturday 20 September 2025 18:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneOne industry hoping to end this week in a better place than where it started was British steel.
UK steel exports to the US currently face a 25 per cent tariff, compared with 50 per cent for other nations.
But plans for US tariffs on UK steel exports to be scrapped have been shelved, with the UK pausing its push to bring the levy down to zero.
Gareth Stace, director-general of industry trade association UK Steel, said it was “disappointing”.
Why do state visits exist? The real reason behind Trump’s arrival in the UK
Saturday 20 September 2025 17:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneState visits are full of pomp and ceremony, but behind the lavish meals and royal treatment is an important opportunity to deepen diplomatic ties.
Stephen Clear has been looking at the procedure behind calling a state visit, and why they are important...
Why do state visits exist? The real reason behind Trump’s arrival in the UK
Starmer and Trump agree huge tech deal
Saturday 20 September 2025 16:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneOne of the biggest stories to emerge from this week’s state visit is the tech deal worth more than £31bn agreed by Mr Starmer and Mr Trump.
The “tech prosperity deal” will see the UK and US co-operate in areas including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and nuclear power.
America’s top technology companies announced £31 billion of investment alongside the announcement.
These included a commitment by Microsoft to invest £22 billion in the UK to fund an expansion of Britain’s AI infrastructure and the construction of the country’s largest AI supercomputer.
WATCH: Jimmy Fallon mocks Donald Trump's UK state visit as he backs Jimmy Kimmel after suspension
Saturday 20 September 2025 15:19 , Nicole Wootton-CaneTrump turns attention to talk show hosts in US
Saturday 20 September 2025 14:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePresident Donald Trump on Friday said the nation’s television networks should have their broadcast licenses cancelled because coverage of him is overwhelmingly negative despite his victory in last year’s presidential election.
After returning from his trip to the UK, where he praised the press as “really nice, the US president said he is a “very strong person for free speech” but he pivoted to complaining about news coverage in his own country.
“When you have that kind of that level of popularity or voter support, as I did in the last election. And yet, 97 and 94 ... percent of people are against me in the sense of the ... newscasts are against me ... they'll take a great story and they'll make it bad,” Trump said.
“See, I think that's really illegal. You can't have a free airway, if you're getting free airwaves from the United States government ... you can't have that,” he added.
RECAP: Watch Trump and Starmer press conference in full
Saturday 20 September 2025 13:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIf you’re using this weekend to catch up on news after a busy week, you can watch the press conference with Donald Trump and Keir Starmer during his UK visit below.
ANALYSIS: Trump and Starmer shouldn’t bask too long in the glow of a state visit – the world just got a lot more dangerous
Saturday 20 September 2025 12:18 , Nicole Wootton-CanePakistan has just wrappped Saudi Arabia in its nuclear safety blanket as protection against a world where the West has lost control, World affairs editor Sam Kiley writes.
While Trump enjoyed the parades the world got a lot more dangerous
Watch: Trump ate ‘whatever the hell they served us’ and saw more paintings ‘than any human being has ever saw’
Saturday 20 September 2025 11:39 , Alex CroftSix key takeaways from Donald Trump’s press conference with Keir Starmer
Saturday 20 September 2025 11:14 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA few days on from Donald Trump’s historic second state visit to the UK, the dust is settling.
The Independent’s Archie Mitchell has taken a look at the six key takeaways from the visit, which included a lavish banquet at Windsor Castle as well as key talks on trade and tech at Chequers.
Six key takeaways from Donald Trump’s press conference with Keir Starmer
ICYMI - Minister brushes off Trump suggestions about using the military to fight immigration
Saturday 20 September 2025 10:36 , Alex CroftA Cabinet minister brushed off suggestions the military should be brought in to tackle illegal migration, as Donald Trump suggested during his state visit.
Peter Kyle was asked by ITV’s Good Morning Britain if he agreed with the US president that illegal migration “destroys countries from within”.
The Business Secretary replied: “No. What I do believe is that illegal migration is something that is impacting our politics here in the UK. It is something that the British public expect this Government to get a grip on.
“That is why today, when we have the second flight taking off with a migrant who doesn’t have the right to stay here being returned as part of the new returns agreement with France, this is a pilot. This is something we’re trialling.
“You can see that we’re pushing the boundaries of the law, but we are straining at the bit to do it. If we have to change the law, we will change the law, as you’ve seen with this Government as well.”
Addressing Mr Trump’s suggestion of calling in the military, Mr Kyle said: “Donald Trump also mentioned the military. We have the UK Border Force. We have the Navy that has the relationship with the Border Force that can be brought to bear if need be.”
EXCLUSIVE: Inside the White House through the eyes of Trump family’s makeup artist
Saturday 20 September 2025 09:55 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFrom moving to the US hardly speaking any English and with little money to the halls of the White House, French makeup artist Audrey Lefevre has had a remarkable career.
Ms Lefevre went on to work with Donald Trump’s family, Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, as well as Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu during the signing of the Abraham Accords.
In this interview with The Independent, Ms Lefevre offers a rare glimpse into the pressure of inaugurations, the watchful eyes of security, and the private moments of political life.
Inside the White House through the eyes of Trump family’s makeup artist
UK pushes on with Palestine state recognition despite US opposition
Saturday 20 September 2025 09:09 , Nicole Wootton-CaneKeir Starmer is pushing ahead with the recognition of a Palestinian state - despite disagreement from Donald Trump.
During a joint press conference with the Prime Minister at Chequers on Thursday, the US president said he did not support recognition, although he did not repeat previous comments that it would reward Hamas.
At the same press conference, Sir Keir denied that he was waiting for Mr Trump to leave the UK before announcing recognition, saying he had “made my position clear at the end of July, so the timing, it’s got nothing to do with this state visit”.
But he said Hamas could have “no part in any future governance in Palestine”, adding the group “don’t want a two-state solution. They don’t want peace, they don’t want a ceasefire”.
Donald Trump says he ‘didn’t want’ Sadiq Khan at state visit events
Saturday 20 September 2025 07:04 , Tom BarnesDonald Trump has said he “didn’t want” Sir Sadiq Khan at events put on for his second state visit to the UK, escalating his feud with the London mayor by describing him as “among the worst mayors in the world”.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on the way back from his state visit, the US president claimed that Sir Sadiq had wanted to attend, but “I asked that he not be there”.
It is the latest in a long-running war of words between Mr Trump and the Labour mayor, who accused the American leader of encouraging divisive far-right politics around the world as he landed in Britain earlier this week.
Donald Trump says he ‘didn’t want’ Sadiq Khan at state visit events
The grim future facing migrants returned to France under ‘one in, one out’ deal
Saturday 20 September 2025 06:11 , Tom BarnesSleeping on the streets and relying on charities for food in France, a 25-year-old Eritrean man boarded a dinghy bound for Dover in the hope he could escape to a better life in the UK.
Instead, he was swiftly taken to a detention centre upon arrival and eventually told that he was to be among the first migrants to be sent back to France under Sir Keir Starmer's much-vaunted one-in, one-out deal with president Emmanuel Macron.
But the man challenged his deportation in a last-ditch court hearing, with his lawyers arguing that he faced a real risk of homelessness and destitution once he was returned to France.
His case was successful, delaying his deportation while he submits evidence about a modern slavery claim, but others have not been so lucky, with two migrants so far sent to Paris on passenger flights this week.
The grim future facing migrants returned to France under ‘one in, one out’ deal
Exclusive: Donald Trump set to invite King Charles to White House after state visit success
Saturday 20 September 2025 06:11 , Tom BarnesThe King is set to be invited to the White House next year to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as the royals continue to play a leading role in “keeping Donald Trump sweet”.
Talks are underway for a major royal visit to mark the historic anniversary, and The Independent understands Prince William is prepared to attend in his father’s place if King Charles’s schedule does not allow.
Sources say a visit by either King Charles and Queen Camilla or Prince William and Princess Kate is a key part of Britain’s diplomacy with the current White House administration.
The Independent’s political editor David Maddox has the full story here:
Donald Trump set to invite King Charles to White House after state visit success
Editorial: It is time to ask the armed forces for help in solving the migrant crisis
Saturday 20 September 2025 05:24 , Tom BarnesIt has been clear for some time that dealing with illegal migration is a political imperative. As has often been pointed out, the numbers of people seeking asylum by irregular routes, principally by crossing the English Channel in small boats, are high by historical standards, even if modest in relation to overall, lawful flows in and out of the UK.
The rise of Reform UK and recent sizeable demonstrations against migration may be largely attributed to a sense of public unease about the issue. It is corrosive. Democratic politicians have to face up to the political and practical challenge this represents, not only by countering extremist propaganda, myths and misinformation, but also by showing the public that some progress is being made to stabilise the situation.
“Delivery” is essential – and non-negotiable. When so many ministers across both mainstream parties have promised and failed to “stop the boats”, that is no mere routine public policy failure; it is eroding the confidence of some in the democratic political process itself. That is obviously a dangerous trend. It is certainly not an exaggeration to say that the future of the Labour government depends on its response.
It is time to ask the armed forces for help in solving the migrant crisis
Can the Royal Navy legally stop the boats?
Saturday 20 September 2025 04:13 , Tom BarnesThe US president’s typically controversial suggestion to Keir Starmer will doubtless appeal to certain quarters. But perhaps inevitably, it’s not quite that simple, writes Sean O’Grady
