President Donald Trump praised Prince William during his state banquet speech at Windsor Castle, singling out King Charles’ elder son in a remark that quickly gained traction.
On Sept. 17, the U.S. president, 79, used part of his address at the diplomatic dinner — which capped the first full day of his state visit to the U.K. — to hail William, 43, as a “remarkable son” to the King.
After thanking King Charles, 76, for his hospitality and commending his commitment to the United Kingdom, Trump pivoted to raving about Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, who were seated across from and beside him at the banquet.
“I just want to say that His Majesty has also raised a remarkable son in His Royal Highness, Prince of Wales. Really amazing. We’ve gotten to know you and I think you’re going to have unbelievable success in the future,” the president said.
President Donald Trump speaks at the state banquet at Windsor Castle on Sept. 17, 2025.
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While some outlets speculated that the remark was a dig at Charles’ youngest son, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex was never mentioned in Trump’s speech. The focus remained squarely on William, making the “remarkable son” comment a straightforward remark rather than a pointed comparison.
The remark has nonetheless generated buzz, with commentators debating the significance of praising one son in a family known for its very public dynamics.
Harry has also been in the U.K. recently, reuniting with King Charles for the first time in 19 months last week. The visit came amid ongoing tensions with Prince William, whom he did not see, keeping the brothers’ strained relationship in the headlines and top of mind for royal watchers.
Trump’s comment to William comes against the backdrop of years of headlines about his often pointed remarks on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, comments that have repeatedly stirred debate.
Kat eMiddleton, Prince William, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump in Windsor on Sept. 17, 2025.
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William and Kate accompanied the Trumps to meet the King and Queen Camilla on Sept. 17, which was followed by a carriage procession, lunch at Windsor Castle and private meeting between the Trumps and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
PEOPLE confirmed that William and Kate had a private meeting with the Trumps, and while the palace has not shared any details on what was discussed, the meeting was described as “warm and friendly.”
Harry met with his father the King in person for the first time in 19 months while visiting the U.K. for a series of charitable engagements last week.
(Left) King Charles arrives at Clarence house on Sept. 10, 2025; (Right) Prince Harry leaves Clarence House on Sept. 10, 2025.
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Following the meeting, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the sovereign had a private tea at Clarence House, his London home, with the Duke of Sussex and said no additional details would be shared.
A spokesperson for Prince Harry echoed the same, reiterating that father and son met for tea and that there would be no further comment.
In the days that followed, however, Harry suggested he wants to see his father more in the near future. While speaking to The Guardian during his recent travels to Ukraine, he said over the coming year, “the focus really has to be on my dad,” and said that he would like to spend more time in the U.K. and take his children — Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4 — there one day.
“This week has definitely brought that closer,” he said of his visit back home to the U.K.