During his recent UK state visit, former U.S. President Donald Trump attended a state banquet where he was seated next to Princess Kate Middleton. Their interaction became a highlight of the evening, especially after a body language expert offered an unusual reading of the exchange.
Trump and his wife Melania were welcomed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. It was his second state visit to the UK, making him the first modern U.S. president to be invited twice. He also met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where they announced a major tech and investment deal.
At the banquet, Princess Kate reportedly displayed confidence and control in her conversation with Trump. Expert Bruce Durham said she appeared “regal” and looked at Trump “like a childish, impish-type comment had been made,” suggesting she may have gently challenged him.
Trump, often seen as dominant, was said to show signs of submission through “raised shoulders and a retracted head.” Durham suggested Kate held the upper hand socially in that moment.
Still, Trump praised her warmly, calling her “radiant,” “healthy,” and “beautiful,” and saying it was a “great honour” to sit beside her—showing mutual respect despite the differing interpretations of their dynamic.
