President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were welcomed by the British royal family for an official state visit, which included a glamorous state banquet at Windsor Castle.
King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton were all on hand for the gala dinner on Sept. 17, which also included U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and more.
The Princess of Wales, 43, sat beside President Trump, 79, for the dinner.
Since becoming the Princess of Wales upon Queen Elizabeth‘s death and King Charles’ accession to the throne in September 2022, Princess Kate has traditionally been seated next to visiting world leaders at state banquets.
Kate Middleton and Donald Trump at state banquet on Sept. 17, 2025.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/POOL/AFP via Getty
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She was positioned next to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during his visit in November 2022, as well as South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at his state banquet the following year. Princess Kate also sat next to French President Emmanuel Macron during his state visit with his wife, Brigitte Macron, in July 2025. President Macron made headlines for kissing Kate’s hand and winking at her as they toasted during the banquet.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron winks at Kate Middleton at the state banquet on July 8, 2025.
LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty
Princess Kate also sat beside Michael Boulos, the husband of the president’s daughter Tiffany Trump, with whom she walked in during the royal procession.
King Charles sat between President Trump and Marco Rubio.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the table, Melania sat between Prince William and Queen Camilla during the dinner.
The guest list for the state banquet was made up from requests from the White House, the U.K. government and the royal household. The seating plan was organized by the royal household before it was cleared by King Charles and Queen Camilla.
During President Trump’s speech, he called Princess Kate “so radiant and so healthy, so beautiful.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton at state banquet on Sept. 17, 2025.
PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty
Kate’s place of prominence at such events displays her important role within the royal family. Earlier in the day, Prince William and Princess Kate were the first members of the royal family to greet the Trumps as they exited their helicopter in Windsor.
As they shook hands, Trump told Princess Kate: “You’re beautiful, so beautiful.”
The royal couple also held a private meeting with President Trump and the first lady, further highlighting their status.
Aside from being the future queen, Kate’s personal presence is admired worldwide. From her meaningful style choices to her poise, she reinforces the soft power of the monarchy.
On Thursday, Princess Kate will step into the global spotlight again as she teams up with Melania for a joint engagement. The women will join the U.K.’s Chief Scout Dwayne Fields and members of the Scouts’ Squirrels program as they learn about nature to earn their “Go Wild” badge.