State Visit from the President of the United States: June 3-5, 2019

[Osipi]

How can Trump say he never met Prince Harry? I thought they had lunch together before this Piers Morgan interview?

The quote I posted with Trump saying that was from an interview with Piers Morgan that took place in 2018 when Trump was on a working visit to the UK and met with the Queen at Windsor Castle. ?

 

[Leopoldine]

On balance I think it went off remarkably well, despite the prognostications of disaster from both sides of 'the pond'..Fewer gaffes and much smaller demonstrations than anyone had predicted, and both guests and hosts very gratified by it. All in all expectations seem to have been exceeded...

This particular state visit following the UK EU Parliament vote may be a big reason HM was smiling so much. She seemed very pleased to represent the majority of her subjects in welcoming pro-Brexit Trump.

 

[Pranter]

On balance I think it went off remarkably well, despite the prognostications of disaster from both sides of 'the pond'..Fewer gaffes and much smaller demonstrations than anyone had predicted, and both guests and hosts very gratified by it. All in all expectations seem to have been exceeded...

Appears to have been a success. All the parties involved seemed relaxed and smiling for the most part.


LaRae

 

[jacqui24]

Melania looked stunning today. I had wished she’d worn a British designer though or even an American one. I think this visit, optics wise could have been a lot worse and I really think it was a good visit.

I just wish we hadn't had things like this.

Trump's now flown to the ROI briefly before going to France in the morning, the air miles...

For whatever reason, I think there is a lot less controversy over what FLOTUS wears. I honestly haven't seen much discussion either for or against. As long as she stays away from fashion at the height of some kind of controversy either through issues (think her outfit as she's leaving to visit children separated at border) or designers, I honestly don't think it's a big deal.

Oddly enough, from a fashion perspective, she looked great other than the state banquet and arrival in UK. She looked fine, but not great. Although, if she can give her husband some advice on length of everything, that'd be great.

In terms of protestors, I think that's actually a sign of democracy itself. As long as there isn't violence for the most part, it's not a bad thing. The freedom to protest itself is worth celebrating.

 

[MaiaMia_53]

The Mirror apparently has seen the interview. Her wrote about the Sussex section. Piers Morgan definitely played up the "nasty" stuff and Trump basically said he didn't call Meghan nasty but her words at the time and that he think she is doing a fine job. He also says that Harry was not closed off and was friendly and talked a lot to Ivanka at the lunch. Not clickbait comments from Trump. I'm glad he didn't fall for the bait.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/donald-trump-speaks-out-nasty-16256507

He said what he said, and no amount of spinning actually changes what he did say and has similarly said about other women. Plus, this is not the first time Trump has tried to deny and explain away something blatant that he actually said, and it surely won't be the last time either.

Neither Trump nor Piers have any integrity in their characters nor worthwhile sincerity in their utterances and public behavior.

 

[Lumutqueen]

I hadn't seen what Louise Linton wore for the State Banquet but wowzers. She's getting a lot of stick on social media for her posts, and good on her for replying to them especially the ones about her marriage. Louise also starred in a TV Show based on William and Catherine, and played apparently Catherines close friend Vanessa Rose Bellows who I have never heard of.

Louise Linton insists she isn't Steve Mnuchin's 'nurse', jokes that her palace invitation was 'a mistake' and reveals she paid for her own flight to the UK in response to critics on Instagram.

However it really is the one thing I haven't liked about this visit, is the overuse of social media. The Adult Trump children constantly posting, and it looks like a running theme in the entourage to tag everything they wore. Trump apparently insisted on a picture with Charles and Camilla and all his adult children at the return dinner which I think is way out of line.

 

[MARG]

Well, kudos to Pr. Charles for trying!

Great to know that he spun 15 minutes into 75 and that takes 50 plus years of diplomatic experience to pull that off with such charm and ease that President Trump, who is known for his supposed short attention span, not only listened but debated the point with Charles.

It says a lot when he left looking happy, enjoyed the banquet and seemed more than pleased to greet he and Camilla for the return dinner and happily chatted at the D Day Commemorations. I think that was Charles job and he did it well.

You are right it is Louse Linton, Steven Mnuchin's wife.

I didn't think the Royals would stop to shake hands with other guests while they are in that formation. I thought at that stage everything is so choreographed.
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/06/05/01/14380040-7105511-image-m-24_1559693975975.jpg

You are correct, however, Catherine was in an awkward position as Mr Minuchen decided to introduce her to his wife. Really, there was nothing she could do but acknowledge the introduction. The gentleman she was escorting was ill-mannered and didn't give a damn about the protocol of the situation or who he inconvenienced. He was just a very rude and ignorant man and if he wasn't given a protocol briefing by US Diplomats, he is so arrogant that he couldn't even just "go with the flow".

 

[Princess Larisa]

Court Circular 4th June:
Buckingham Palace

The President of the United States of America this morning attended a United Kingdom-United States Senior Business Leaders Group Breakfast Meeting at St James’s Palace and was received by The Duke of York, the Rt Hon Theresa May MP (Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury) and the Rt Hon Liam Fox MP (Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade).

The President of the United States of America and Mrs Trump afterwards visited No 10 Downing Street where The President held Bilateral Talks with the Prime Minister and subsequently was entertained to Luncheon by the Prime Minister of behalf of Her Majesty’s Government.

The President of the United States of America and the Prime Minister this afternoon held a joint Press Conference at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street, London SW1.

The President of the United States of America and Mrs Trump, accompanied by the Prime Minister and Mr Philip May, this afternoon visited Churchill War Rooms, Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London SW1, and were received by the Director-General of Imperial War Museums (Ms Diane Lees).

The President of the United States of America and Mrs Trump this evening gave a Dinner at Winfield House, Regent’s Park, London NW1.

Mrs Trump, accompanied by Mr Philip May, this afternoon attended a Garden Party at No 10 Downing Street.

Court Circular 4th June:
Clarence House

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall this evening attended a Dinner given by The President of the United States of America and Mrs Trump at Winfield House, Regent’s Park, London NW1.

Court Circular 5th June:
Buckingham Palace

The Queen, accompanied by The Prince of Wales, and The President of the United States of America and Mrs Trump today attended the National Commemorative Event at Southsea Common, Portsmouth, for the Seventy Fifth Anniversary of the D-Day Landings and were received by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire (Mr Nigel Atkinson), the Rt Hon Theresa May MP (Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury) and the Chief of the Defence Staff and Aide-de-Camp General (General Sir Nicholas Carter).

The Mayor of Portsmouth (Councillor David Fuller) surrendered to Her Majesty the Keys of the City of Portsmouth, which The Queen returned to him.

Her Majesty, accompanied by His Royal Highness, and The President and Mrs Trump met Heads of State, Heads of*Government and Representatives.

The Queen, accompanied by The Prince of Wales, and The President of the United States of America and Mrs Trump viewed the National Commemorative Event telling the story of D-Day through musical performance, testimonial readings and Armed Forces displays.

Her Majesty addressed those present and afterwards witnessed a flypast by modern and period aircraft.

The Queen, accompanied by The Prince of Wales, and The President of the United States of America and Mrs Trump met Veterans of D-Day and were received by the National President of the Royal British Legion (Lieutenant General James Bashall).

The Queen bade farewell to The President of the United States of America and Mrs Trump.

The President and Mrs Trump attended a Reception given by The Prince of Wales for Heads of State, Heads of Government and Representatives.

The President of the United States of America and Mrs Trump subsequently joined The Prince of Wales at a Reception for Veterans of D-Day and their families.

The President afterwards attended a Luncheon with Heads of State, Heads of Government and Representatives.

Mrs Trump attended a Luncheon with Mr Philip May.

The Earl Peel (Lord Chamberlain) was present at Southampton Airport this afternoon upon the Departure of The President of the United States of America and Mrs Trump and bade farewell to The President and Mrs Trump on behalf of The Queen upon the conclusion to the State Visit to Her Majesty.

 

[Osipi]

I really, really had to giggle and guffaw a bit when I opened my news feed this morning. First article up is President Trump gushing over his time with HM, The Queen and just how well they got along on this past visit.

We, who know things as royal watchers, can pretty much put this down to the Queen having 67 years of experience as a head of state and monarch and its to her credit and diplomatic know how that this state visit went so well.

 

[ladongas]

...

You are correct, however, Catherine was in an awkward position as Mr Minuchen decided to introduce her to his wife. Really, there was nothing she could do but acknowledge the introduction. The gentleman she was escorting was ill-mannered and didn't give a damn about the protocol of the situation or who he inconvenienced. He was just a very rude and ignorant man and if he wasn't given a protocol briefing by US Diplomats, he is so arrogant that he couldn't even just "go with the flow".

I don’t care for Mr. Mnuchin, but I imagine he just asked Kate to say hello as they passed by. And the gracious duchess happily complied. It didn’t inconvenience anyone, and it’s a certainty he would have smiled and probably spoken to his wife as they passed by. He loves his wife, he was struttin’ with a duchess. Where was the harm? Now if he had taken a selfie...

OMG, I can’t believe I’m speaking well of that man!

 

[Troy Thompson]

I really, really had to giggle and guffaw a bit when I opened my news feed this morning. First article up is President Trump gushing over his time with HM, The Queen and just how well they got along on this past visit.

We, who know things as royal watchers, can pretty much put this down to the Queen having 67 years of experience as a head of state and monarch and its to her credit and diplomatic know how that this state visit went so well.

...

What you noted, about the fact that Her Majesty has had 67 years (in fact, she's had more so, considering she, as the heir presumptive to the Crown, also had to frequently meet with foreign leaders before her accession) worth of experience of being diplomatic and courteous in conducting interactions with foreign heads of state, simply cannot occur to President Trump, as his ego will not permit it. Nor could it possibly be that its relationship with the United States is perhaps the United Kingdom's single most important bilateral relationship. It absolutely must be that he is supremely beloved and respected.

 

[Mirabel]

So- when is the next state visit??

 

[MARG]

^^^^ It's a slippery slope.

But actually he did cause a traffic jam with the couple's behind. Even the President talked about how fast HM can walk but how slow the formal procession went with teeny tiny steps.

He would have been better to grin and smile as he went past. Then he could have asked Catherine if he could introduce his wife after dinner. Actually, that may have been in her wheelhouse anyway.

 

[Fijiro]

^^^^ It's a slippery slope.

But actually he did cause a traffic jam with the couple's behind. Even the President talked about how fast HM can walk but how slow the formal procession went with teeny tiny steps.

He would have been better to grin and smile as he went past. Then he could have asked Catherine if he could introduce his wife after dinner. Actually, that may have been in her wheelhouse anyway.

Steven Mnichun beat him to that.

 

[MARG]

Huh?

 

[Hallo girl]

Harry not attending the state dinner is not untoward or even the snub that the Sun and DM are desperately trying to make it. And it has nothing to do with his position in the line of succession given people wayyyy far below him attend. Even Charles has missed some of them over the years and the Cambridges rarely do anything for state visits but the state dinner and them attending the dinners is a fairly recent thing. I imagine that if Meghan had not just given birth, Harry and Meghan would both have been in attendance for the state dinner.

But given his son is barely a month old, Harry probably is trying to minimize his number of full days away from home. Hence, afternoon lunch to do his "part" and then home.

I would expect we will see the Sussexes at most state dinners going forward, if they are not on tour or maternity leave.

Goodness, Meghan has been seen once in nearly 3 months, but the tabloids continue to find ways to make her and/or Harry the story even when there is plenty of other fodder at hand.

Really good points, I am sure the Cambridges didn't go to state dinners early on in their marriage, could it be that the queen is quite smart and allows the new spouses to be eased in to formal occasions. As the experience and confidence grows so do the events.

 

[muriel]

Piers Morgan seems to have belatedly decided to comment on Meghan's appearance at the ToC and not during the state visit. Clearly he does not realise that she is not particularly high up the royal hierarchy and it was probably good that she did not attend, avoiding any diplomatic incidents!

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...s-decision-M-Trumps-state-visit-shameful.html

 

[Mbruno]

Piers Morgan seems to have belatedly decided to comment on Meghan's appearance at the ToC and not during the state visit. Clearly he does not realise that she is not particularly high up the royal hierarchy and it was probably good that she did not attend, avoiding any diplomatic incidents!

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...s-decision-M-Trumps-state-visit-shameful.html

She is higher up than Princess Alexandra or the Duchess of Gloucester and they showed up, didn’t they ? I will take the excuse that she was on maternity leave , which works better for me.

On the diplomatic incident point, Meghan will probably have to meet lots of people she disagrees with when she starts attending state functions on a regular basis. If she can’t do it without risking a diplomatic incident, she should reassess her position in the Royal Family.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

Really good points, I am sure the Cambridges didn't go to state dinners early on in their marriage, could it be that the queen is quite smart and allows the new spouses to be eased in to formal occasions. As the experience and confidence grows so do the events.

To be fair: it is just picking some sprouts with a silver fork and rinse the dessert away with a slush of Moët Pommery Rosé. And a chit to the left and a chat to the right. That is all. Note that for most guests it was their first time in white tie, as well their first time at a royal banquet. What experience and what confidence does one need?

 

[jacqui24]

Piers Morgan seems to have belatedly decided to comment on Meghan's appearance at the ToC and not during the state visit. Clearly he does not realise that she is not particularly high up the royal hierarchy and it was probably good that she did not attend, avoiding any diplomatic incidents!

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...s-decision-M-Trumps-state-visit-shameful.html

What diplomatic incidents exactly? From the moment the public found out about the relationship, Meghan has not made one bipartisan remark. In fact, even as private citizen, she only made a post encouraging people to vote in November 2016 and highlighted the plight of those that had to fight for that right. Not promoting one party or the other. Seems to me that Meghan completely understands her role. It's others, like Piers Morgan, that lacking understanding of how this works. Royal women are allowed maternity leave, but have often made exceptions for Trooping.

And I love that people continue to harp on hierarchy. While her husband, and by extension her, are behind some, they are ahead of plenty more. All the while Meghan lives rent free in plenty of people's head while she's simply minding her own business on maternity leave.

Really good points, I am sure the Cambridges didn't go to state dinners early on in their marriage, could it be that the queen is quite smart and allows the new spouses to be eased in to formal occasions. As the experience and confidence grows so do the events.

What experience does one need? The dinners are formalities. Anything of consequence are handled by the governments away from the cameras. OTOH, unless it's absolutely necessary, why take two new parents, one of whom is presumably nursing and have not reached minimal recovery period (6 weeks), away from their newborn? I don't know how long the dinner lasts exactly, but between getting ready, going back and forth from Windsor, and the dinner, I'm assuming quite a few hours are necessary.

 

[Mbruno]

What diplomatic incidents do you expect exactly? From the moment the public found out about the relationship, Meghan has not made one bipartisan remark. In fact, even as private citizen, she only made a post encouraging people to vote in November 2016 and highlighted the plight of those that had to fight for that right. Not promoting one party or the other. Seems to me that Meghan completely understands her role. It's others, like Piers Morgan, that lacking understanding of how this works. Royal women are allowed maternity leave, but have often made exceptions for Trooping.

And I love that people continue to harp on hierarchy. While her husband, and by extension her, are behind some, they are ahead of plenty more. All the while Meghan lives rent free in plenty of people's head while she's simply minding her own business on maternity leave.

In fact, had she attended, she would have been behind the Queen, Camilla and Catherine wants not, woukdn’t she ?

 

[Marlo]

Piers Morgan seems to have belatedly decided to comment on Meghan's appearance at the ToC and not during the state visit. Clearly he does not realise that she is not particularly high up the royal hierarchy and it was probably good that she did not attend, avoiding any diplomatic incidents!

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...s-decision-M-Trumps-state-visit-shameful.html

Um, did you forget Sophie, Edward, Andrew, Anne, Tim, etc were there? Harry and Meghan are higher up than them.

 

[Moonmaiden23]

I wish Pier Morgan would leave Meghan alone already! He acts like a petulant spurned boyfriend who can't get over the breakup.

So what if she didn't want to meet Trump?? A lot MP's didn't either.

The only behavior that is shameful is his.

 

[Duke of Marmalade]

On the diplomatic incident point, Meghan will probably have to meet lots of people she disagrees with when she starts attending state functions on a regular basis. If she can’t do it without risking a diplomatic incident, she should reassess her position in the Royal Family.

Exactly. I think QEII has hosted banquets for worse people than Trump and her successors will continue to do so. I am sure Meghan will not get to chose what event to attend because of a personal dislike.

 

[jacqui24]

In fact, had she attended, she would have been behind the Queen, Camilla and Catherine wants not, woukdn’t she ?

As Harry entered ahead of his uncles at the Spanish Banquet, I would expect so while Sophie and every other female royal you didn't name would come in after her. So poor them, I guess?

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

In fact, had she attended, she would have been behind the Queen, Camilla and Catherine wants not, woukdn’t she ?

Usually the grandsons of the Sovereign rank behind the sons of the Sovereign:

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall

The Duke of York

The Earl and Countess of Wessex

The Princess Royal and Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester

The Duke and Duchess of Kent

Prince and Princess Michael of Kent

Princess Alexandra, the Hon. Lady Ogilvy

 

[jacqui24]

Usually the grandsons of the Sovereign rank behind the sons of the Sovereign:

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall

The Duke of York

The Earl and Countess of Wessex

The Princess Royal and Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester

The Duke and Duchess of Kent

Prince and Princess Michael of Kent

Princess Alexandra, the Hon. Lady Ogilvy

While this is the official order. It's often not followed. Even at state events.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

As Harry entered ahead of his uncles at the Spanish Banquet, I would expect so while Sophie and every other female royal you didn't name would come in after her. So poor them, I guess?

The order of entrance is not necessarily the order of precedence. It is organized by the logistics of the table seating. There is a carré of tables and each table is "presided" by a royal in the middle. To achieve a smooth procession the order of entrance is often adjusted to the seating arrangement.

 

[loonytick]

To be fair: it is just picking some sprouts with a silver fork and rinse the dessert away with a slush of Moët Pommery Rosé. And a chit to the left and a chat to the right. That is all. Note that for most guests it was their first time in white tie, as well their first time at a royal banquet. What experience and what confidence does one need?

That’s hardly fair. The BRF at these things are acting as assistant hosts, in a way, extending thecQuedn’s welcome all along the tables. And hosting is a real skill. It’s about maintaining a sense of glamor/specialness/(whatever term you prefer)to the evening while putting people at ease and making them feel welcome. It’s not so much about rank as it is that skill. Which is why the list of usual BRF at these things has barely changed through the years as new additions and newly adult princes and princesses have pushed Alexandra, the Kents and Gloucester’s farther down the the official ranks. And these things have a limited number of seats and a long list of people who are supposed to be honored with invitations, so it’s ridiculous to say the Queen would just shoehorn Harry and Meghan in just because of his place in the line of succession.

Harry and Meghan, Bea and Eug and Jack are learning that degree of welcome and gravitas expected of “assistant hosts—“ they’re coming along quite nicely, as a matter of fact—but unlike the future monarch and consort (William and Kate), there’s no reason to put them into regular rotation just yet. And yes, I’m saying Bea and Eug because they’re pitching in for a similar task at the garden parties, so I don’t think it’s too out there to think they’ll get dinner duty eventually, even if they never officially take up a regular schedule of unveiling plaques on a monarch’s behalf.

 

[loonytick]

To be fair: it is just picking some sprouts with a silver fork and rinse the dessert away with a slush of Moët Pommery Rosé. And a chit to the left and a chat to the right. That is all. Note that for most guests it was their first time in white tie, as well their first time at a royal banquet. What experience and what confidence does one need?

That’s hardly fair. The BRF at these things are acting as assistant hosts, in a way, extending the Queen’s welcome all along the tables. And hosting is a real skill. It’s about maintaining a sense of glamor/specialness/(whatever term you prefer)to the evening while putting people at ease. It’s not so much about rank as it is that skill. Which is why the list of usual BRF at these things has barely changed through the years as new additions and newly adult princes and princesses have pushed Alexandra, the Kents and Gloucester’s farther down the the official ranks. And these things have a limited number of seats and a long list of people who are supposed to be honored with invitations, so it’s ridiculous to say the Queen would just shoehorn Harry and Meghan in just because of his place in the line of succession.

Harry and Meghan, Bea and Eug and Jack are learning that degree of welcome and gravitas expected of “assistant hosts—“ they’re coming along quite nicely, as a matter of fact—but unlike the future monarch and consort (William and Kate), there’s no reason to put them into regular rotation just yet. And yes, I’m saying Bea and Eug because they’re pitching in for a similar task at the garden parties, so I don’t think it’s too out there to think they’ll get dinner duty eventually, even if they never officially take up a regular schedule of unveiling plaques on a monarch’s behalf.