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
- Trump dodges questions over Mandelson's links with Epstein: 'I don't know him'
Trump tells Starmer to take military action to tackle small boat crossings
13:27 , Tom Watling
Trump tells Starmer to take military action to tackle small boat crossings
Minister brushes off Trump suggestions about using the military to fight immigration
13:00 , Tom WatlingA 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.”
On the front line with GI Don and Private Keir
12:33 , Tom Watling
The Royal Butler shares unique insight into Trump's state banquet
12:00 , Tom WatlingStarmer’s relief after success of Trump’s state visit won’t last long
11:46 , Millie Cooke, Political CorrespondentThe Independent’s Political Correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
The stakes were high for Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK this week. From questions over the appointment of Lord Mandelson and the US president’s links with Jeffrey Epstein, to criticism of the UK’s free speech laws - there was certainly no guarantee of success.
After a nightmare return to parliament for Sir Keir, who saw the departure of both Lord Mandelson and his deputy Angela Rayner in the space of two weeks, the prime minister needed a boost amid growing speculation that he may not remain in post until the next election.
There were a few sticky moments, such as when Trump told the prime minister to call the army in to tackle migration. He also admitted disagreements over the recognition of Palestine.
Starmer’s relief after success of Trump’s state visit won’t last long
Trump ate ‘whatever the hell they served us’ at Windsor Castle banquet
11:34 , Tom Watling
Trump ate ‘whatever the hell they served us’ at Windsor Castle banquet
Donald and Melania Trump land in US after UK state visit
11:00 , Tom WatlingTrump dodges questions over Mandelson's links with Epstein: 'I don't know him'
10:30 , Tom WatlingDonald Trump dodged questions over Lord Peter Mandelson’s links with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein during a press conference with Sir Keir Starmer yesterday.
Sir Keir sacked Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the US last week after leaked emails showed the Blairite figure had supported Epstein after he was jailed for child sex offences in 2008. Though Lord Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein after 2008 is well-documented, Sir Keir claims the former ambassador’s support despite Epstein’s conviction was materially new information.
The sacking threatened to be a sore spot for Trump’s state visit to the UK, given the US president’s own, previous relationship with Epstein.
And less than six months ago, Trump and Lord Mandelson were pictured holding hands in the Oval Office.
When asked about Lord Mandelson during the press conference at Chequers, however, referenced by Sky journalist Beth Rigby as “the elephant in the room”, Trump was evasive.
“I don’t know him… I had heard that and maybe the prime minister would be better at speaking of that,” he said.
Six key takeaways from Donald Trump’s press conference with Keir Starmer
10:01 , Tom Watling
Six key takeaways from Donald Trump’s press conference with Keir Starmer
Second migrant deported to France as more cross the Channel at daybreak
09:37 , Tom WatlingA second migrant has been deported to France under the Government’s “one in, one out” deal as more small boats began making the dangerous English Channel crossing in the early hours of the morning.
An Eritrean man who lost a High Court bid to halt his removal was on a flight that left Heathrow for Paris at 6.15am on Friday.
Meanwhile in northern France, hundreds of migrants embarked on the Channel crossing early on Friday morning.
Among them a small child was seen wearing arm bands and a flotation device.
Cabinet minister Peter Kyle suggested the armed forces should remain focused on defence, after Donald Trump signalled during his state visit that military intervention could be used to deal with illegal migration to the UK.
Donald Trump says he ‘didn’t want’ Sadiq Khan at state visit events
09:17 , Tom Watling
Donald Trump says he ‘didn’t want’ Sadiq Khan at state visit events
Navy could be used to 'if needed' to fight Channel crossings, says minister
08:56 , Tom WatlingThe Navy can be called upon “if needed”, Peter Kyle said after Donald Trump suggested the military could be used to tackle illegal migration.
Asked about the US president’s claims, the Business Secretary told BBC Breakfast: “Well, what he suggested was the military are used, but we have the UK Border Force that is now established and has been reinforced and bolstered and have new powers under this Government.
“The Navy actually does have a working relationship with the UK Border Force, and the Navy can be called upon if needed.
“So we do have the functional relationship that we need between our military and keeping our borders safe and secure but what we really need at the moment is our military focused on all of those really key issues around the world, directly relating to our national defence.”
Donald Trump’s helicopter diverted to Luton airport
08:35 , Tom WatlingA helicopter carrying Donald Trump was forced to divert to Luton airport on Thursday.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said “due to a minor hydraulic issue” the aircraft carrying the US president landed at a “local airfield” while on route to Stansted airport.
She said the decision was taken “out of an abundance of caution”, adding that the US president “safely boarded the support helicopter”.
Emergency services were seen at Luton following the landing.
The helicopter carrying the president is known as Marine One.
Mr Trump was travelling from Chequers with his wife, Melania, following a state visit to the UK.
At Stansted he boarded his plane Air Force One and departed for Washington.
Analysis: Trump’s state visit was a much needed success for Starmer
08:28 , Millie Cooke, Political CorrespondentThe Independent’s Political Correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
A lot could have gone wrong yesterday. From questions over the appointment of Lord Mandelson and Trump’s links with Jeffrey Epstein to criticism of the UK’s free speech laws, Trump’s state visit was certainly not a guaranteed success. And the stakes were even higher than normal for Starmer, given how difficult the last month has been for the UK PM, with the departure of both Lord Mandelson and his deputy Angela Rayner in the space of two weeks.
There were a few sticky moments, like when Trump told Starmer to call the army in to tackle migration, and he admitted disagreements over the recognition of Palestine. But Trump avoided any open berating of the UK, and glossed over questions on Mandelson and free speech – leaving the visit, overall, looking like a success story for the relationship between the Labour government the Republican administration in the states.
Watch: Trump and Melania depart for London airport after state visit
08:01 , Athena StavrouSean O’Grady: On the front line at Chequers with GI Don and Private Keir
07:30 , Athena StavrouPictures from Trump's state visit
07:00 , Athena Stavrou
Trump says he 'disagrees' with Starmer on some issues on flight home
06:01 , Athena StavrouDonald Trump said the Prime Minister should take a “strong stand” on immigration, which is “hurting him badly”.
Speaking to Fox News at the end of his state visit to the UK, the US president said of Sir Keir Starmer: “I think he’s a very fine guy. He’s more liberal than me.
“I think he should take a very strong stand on the immigration. It’s really hurting him badly.
“I think he has to open up the North Sea. They have some of the best oil in the world and they have a lot of it.
“They have a lot of it and they made it impossible for people to drill. I think that’s what causes their energy … they have a big energy problem here with the pricing.”
The Independent View: For stumbling PM and strutting president, this visit was a success
05:00 , Athena Stavrou
For a stumbling PM and a strutting president, the state visit was a success
Trump on Starmer: 'I just think he is a really fine person'
03:59 , Athena StavrouFox News are currently airing an interview with Donald Trump recorded earlier today in the UK.
Asked whether he thinks Sir Keir Starmer’s government will survive, the US president said: “I just think he’s a really fine person, him and his wife. He’s a really fine guy.”
He did add that Sir Keir is “more liberal” than himself, and said he thinks he should be tougher on immigration and move to open the North Sea for oil drilling.
Watch: Day two of Donald Trump’s UK state visit in three minutes
02:40 , Athena StavrouTrump says he asked Sadiq Khan not to be invited to banquet
02:00 , Athena StavrouDonald Trump has claimed that he asked that Sir Sadiq Khan not be invited to the state banquet.
Speaking on Air Force One on his flight back to the US, the president said he “didn’t want him there”.
He added:"I asked that he not be there.
"I think the mayor of London Khan is among the worst mayors in the world, and we have some bad ones.”
He added: "He wanted to be there. As I understand it, I didn't want it. I've not liked him for a long time.
"I just think, you know, I have a certain pride in London and the UK."
Trump reveals what he and the King spoke about
01:00 , Athena StavrouDonald Trump said the King was “more interested in trade” than talking to him about environmental concerns.
In an interview with Fox News, the US president said: “I think that he was more interested in trade.
“You know, he loves the environment too. He likes to talk about the environment, but he was more interested in trade than anything else.
“We’re working on a trade deal with the UK, which is going to be good deal for both, and we’re working with the prime minister and his various representatives. I think it’s going to be a great deal for both.”
Six key takeaways from Donald Trump’s press conference with Keir Starmer
Friday 19 September 2025 00:17 , Athena StavrouSix key takeaways from Donald Trump’s press conference with Keir Starmer
Anti-Trump protesters hold rally in Edinburgh on final day of state visit
Thursday 18 September 2025 23:19 , Athena StavrouAnti-Trump protesters have held a rally in Edinburgh to voice their opposition to the US president, on the final day of his state visit to the UK.
Around 200 demonstrators gathered on the Meadows on Thursday evening, many carrying placards and banners with slogans attacking Donald Trump.
Placards carried by the crowd included the slogans “Stop Trump”, “Deny Trump not climate”, and “No red carpet for rights abusers”.
The demonstrators were also led in a number of pro-Palestine and anti-Trump chants.
Ann Peace, 63, who travelled to the rally from Glenrothes in Fife, said she came to protest because “Trump’s wrong”.
“I need to make sure he’s aware he’s not welcome in Scotland. He’s not welcome anywhere, but he’s absolutely not welcome in Scotland,” she said.
She went on: “He’s dangerous and he’s bad. He could, tomorrow, stop the genocide in Palestine.
“He could say ‘no that’s it, I’m not paying for all your weapons, all your healthcare, all your free housing, I’m going to give that money to people in America who need all those kinds of things, and I’m going to stop a genocide’.”
Watch: Day two of Donald Trump’s UK state visit in three minutes
Thursday 18 September 2025 22:41 , Athena StavrouTrump says he asked Sadiq Khan not to be invited to banquet
Thursday 18 September 2025 22:04 , Athena StavrouDonald Trump has claimed that he asked that Sir Sadiq Khan not be invited to the state banquet.
Speaking on Air Force One on his flight back to the US, the president said he “didn’t want him there”.
He added:"I asked that he not be there.
"I think the mayor of London Khan is among the worst mayors in the world, and we have some bad ones.”
He added: "He wanted to be there. As I understand it, I didn't want it. I've not liked him for a long time.
"I just think, you know, I have a certain pride in London and the UK."
Trump: King more interested in speaking about trade than environment
Thursday 18 September 2025 21:51 , Athena StavrouDonald Trump said the King was “more interested in trade” than talking to him about environmental concerns.
In an interview with Fox News, the US president said: “I think that he was more interested in trade.
“You know, he loves the environment too. He likes to talk about the environment, but he was more interested in trade than anything else.
“We’re working on a trade deal with the UK, which is going to be good deal for both, and we’re working with the prime minister and his various representatives. I think it’s going to be a great deal for both.”
Trump’s tech billionaire cohort and their royal welcome
Thursday 18 September 2025 21:38 , Athena StavrouSome of the world’s most influential tech magnates joined President Trump on his state visit to the UK, as the two nations ushered in a £31bn “tech prosperity deal” as part of a larger £150bn investment from US companies.
At the state banquet on Tuesday, King Charles was joined by chief executive of Nvidia Jensen Huang, alongside Apple boss Tim Cook and enigmatic OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman.
The billionaire lineup accompanying President Trump represented the US tech elite, whose companies are at the forefront of the global digital race, in particular on AI. Their presence at Windsor Castle was somewhat unprecedented, with the tech magnates being the first to join a US President on a state visit to the UK.
Recap: Trump dodges questions over Mandelson's links with Epstein
Thursday 18 September 2025 21:11 , Athena StavrouEarlier, Donald Trump dodged questions over Lord Mandelson's links with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, claiming he doesn't know him.
It comes despite the pair being pictured holding hands in the Oval Office less than six months ago.
Asked whether he has any sympathy for the ex-ambassador, who was sacked for historic links with Epstein, the US president palmed the question off on Sir Keir Starmer, saying: "I don't know him. Actually, I had heard that, and I think maybe the prime minister would be better speaking of that."
Addressing Sir Keir, Mr Trump added: "That was a choice that he made, and I don't know. What is your answer to that?"
Sir Keir responded: "Its very straightforward. Some information came to light last week which wasn't available when he was appointed and I made a decision about it and that's very clear."
