A highly anticipated state dinner in the United Kingdom drew widespread attention after U.S. President Donald Trump made remarks about the Princess of Wales, Catherine. The September 17 event, hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace, was intended to celebrate diplomatic ties. However, the president’s words directed at Catherine quickly became a focal point of discussion, prompting debate over whether they were consistent with the formality of royal protocol.
During his speech, Trump praised Prince William as a “remarkable son” and then turned to Catherine, calling her “radiant, healthy, and beautiful.” While intended as complimentary, the phrasing drew mixed reactions due to her very public health journey over the past year. In March 2024, Catherine shared that she had been diagnosed with cancer, later announcing in January 2025 that she was in remission. Many celebrated her recovery, though some observers felt the president’s reference was less than diplomatic given the setting.
Responses online were swift and divided. Some social media users described the comments as overly personal for a formal occasion, while others defended them as expressions of goodwill. Observers also noted the varied expressions of King Charles during the speech and debated whether Trump’s remarks were a simple compliment or an example of informality at odds with tradition. The fact that Trump only referenced Prince William, with no mention of Prince Harry, further fueled speculation among royal watchers.
This is not the first time the president’s approach to royal ceremonies has generated headlines. On a previous state visit, his decision to walk ahead of the late Queen Elizabeth II was widely discussed as a possible break in protocol. For some, his recent comments about Catherine reflect a pattern of informality that can overshadow official events. For others, they are consistent with his characteristic off-the-cuff speaking style. As the UK visit continues, the debate underscores the fine line between personal expression and ceremonial etiquette on the world stage.