For a gathering of those seeking favor, this particular banquet was exceptionally opulent.
Within the ancient walls of a nearly thousand-year-old castle, an extraordinary assembly convened. Side by side, some of the planet’s wealthiest, most influential, and best-connected individuals occupied a grand table. At its center, the guest of honor, resplendent in white tie, exuded an unprecedented contentment, receiving treatment fit for royalty from an actual monarch.
King Charles III’s state dinner for President Trump at Windsor Castle on Wednesday night marked a new peak for the former president. It was a dazzling display of influential figures vying for — or struggling to maintain — the good graces of a leader whose second term has been defined by overt displays of power, often manifesting as retaliation against domestic adversaries and the unraveling of international partnerships.
King Charles stated, “The bond between our two nations is truly remarkable. As we reaffirm our connection tonight, we do so with unwavering confidence in our friendship and our mutual dedication to independence and liberty.”
The former president appeared utterly delighted by the evening, unfazed even as the King subtly brought up critical topics like environmental concerns and the ongoing need to support Ukraine.
With a satisfied air, Mr. Trump declared, “It is a unique honor to be the first American president welcomed here.” (Typically, these prestigious dinners are held at Buckingham Palace in London, which is currently undergoing renovations. It’s worth noting that Mr. Trump previously attended a state dinner there during his first term, and other U.S. presidents have been hosted at the castle, though not for a full state dinner).
Britain’s strategy was evident: the Royal Family collaborated with the government, showering the former president with praise and accolades on Wednesday, hoping to soften his stance for diplomatic talks with one of America’s oldest allies during his meeting with the prime minister on Thursday.
Beyond the main figures, the banquet hall hummed with activity. One hundred and sixty guests, including media magnates, leading financiers, seasoned politicians, and influential tech moguls, dined with 1,452 pieces of cutlery clinking in their hands. Interspersed among these powerful individuals were members of Mr. Trump’s cabinet and top White House staff.
The seating arrangement from Wednesday’s dinner is a historical artifact in itself, offering a compelling snapshot of Western influence that historians might analyze for centuries. This was no ordinary celebrity gathering of pop singers, movie stars, or fashion icons, the kind Mr. Trump often favors. This event transcended superficial fame; it was entirely about raw, undeniable power.
Among the distinguished guests, Britain’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, was seated next to Stephen Schwarzman, the New York financier and CEO of Blackstone. Brian Moynihan, CEO of Bank of America, also occupied a seat on that side of the table. Sam Altman, the influential figure in Silicon Valley AI, was placed alongside Kemi Badenoch, leader of Britain’s Conservative Party. Other notable attendees included Demis Hassabis, who leads Google-owned DeepMind, Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella, and Salesforce co-founder Marc Benioff. Apple CEO Tim Cook was also present.
Mr. Cook’s attendance was particularly noteworthy. Only weeks prior, he had presented a beaming Mr. Trump with a handcrafted Corning glass trophy in a 24-karat gold stand during a televised Oval Office appearance. This gesture was intended to highlight Apple’s U.S. investments and mend a strained relationship, as Mr. Trump had been publicly displeased by Cook’s absence from a gathering of tech leaders in the Middle East during a presidential visit the previous May, leading to public criticism during two stops on that trip.
Thus, Mr. Cook found himself seated next to Tiffany Trump in the grand banquet hall. Aside from First Lady Melania Trump, who was positioned between Queen Camilla and Prince William, Tiffany and her husband were the sole other Trump family members present.
Yet, another guest’s presence on Wednesday spoke volumes. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch sat a few seats to the right of Mr. Cook, across the table. His relationship with Mr. Trump has been famously complex and inconsistent, currently leaning towards an ‘off’ period. Just months prior, The Wall Street Journal — a flagship publication of Murdoch’s empire — published a story detailing Mr. Trump’s past association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This led Mr. Trump to vehemently deny the claims and file a lawsuit against the paper and its owner, making personal demands, including successfully compelling the 94-year-old Murdoch to provide health updates after the former president sought his deposition.
Murdoch was positioned far enough from the former president’s direct line of sight in the banquet hall, yet he remained, enduring a speech extolling Mr. Trump’s virtues. (Coincidentally, the media titan was seated next to Morgan McSweeney, the Prime Minister’s chief of staff, who is presently facing intense media scrutiny, particularly from Murdoch’s own newspapers.)
Even amid this evening of widespread deference, Mr. Trump’s desire for retribution remained strong. Post-dinner, he jubilantly announced on social media that ABC had indefinitely canceled comedian and outspoken Trump critic Jimmy Kimmel’s show. Furthermore, he declared his intent to label the ‘Antifa’ movement a ‘MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION,’ all while preparing to spend the night within the historic castle.
Windsor Castle, renowned as the world’s oldest and largest continuously inhabited castle, has been in use since William I’s construction after the Norman Conquest in 1066. It boasts a moat, formidable stone walls, and a labyrinth of rooms. Its magnificent banquet hall is adorned with the shields of the Knights of the Garter, some dating back to 1348, while polished suits of armor stand guard from wall-carved plinths, observing the dining festivities.
Beyond the castle’s fortified gates, Mr. Trump faces a reality where the world does not view him — or indeed, treat him — with the same deference as the influential figures assembled at Windsor. Just last week, during his first public dinner in Washington since his return, he was confronted by protesters in a restaurant who, advocating for Gaza, drew comparisons to Adolf Hitler before being ejected.
Even in Britain, on the eve of the state dinner, projections of Mr. Trump with Jeffrey Epstein illuminated the castle walls, serving as a stark reminder of the political controversies awaiting him back in his home country.
Ultimately, fortresses are built to deter the outside world. And no grand banquet can shield one indefinitely.