Donald Trump’s 70-Year Fascination with British Royals

Donald Trump’s longstanding admiration for the British royal family began at an early age, significantly shaping his public persona. As a six-year-old watching the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, 1953, Trump was captivated by the pageantry, a sentiment that would later influence his career in real estate and politics.

The son of a Scottish immigrant, Trump recalled in his book, The Art of the Deal, how his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, instilled in him a deep appreciation for the allure of royalty. He described her as “enthralled by the pomp and circumstance” surrounding the monarchy, and this fascination has been a consistent theme throughout his life. As he prepares for his second state visit to the UK, Trump’s connection to the royals is set to take center stage once again.

The invitation from King Charles III was hand-delivered by Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a meeting in the Oval Office. This gesture not only emphasizes Trump’s unique status as the only US president to receive two state visit invitations but also highlights the British government’s interest in fostering strong trade relations. His previous visit in 2019, coupled with his earlier meeting with Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle, underscores an ongoing relationship that Trump views as a significant milestone in his life.

Former national security aide Fiona Hill noted that Trump often spoke of his mother’s admiration for the royal family. His meeting with Queen Elizabeth in 2019 was particularly meaningful for him, representing what he described as the “ultimate sign” of his success. In a conversation with journalist Piers Morgan, Trump expressed that he could envision his mother’s reaction to the royal setting, reflecting the personal significance of such high-profile interactions.

Trump’s early career also bore the imprint of his royal aspirations. Urban planner Wes Blackman, who collaborated with Trump in the 1990s, recalled how Trump attempted to leverage the name of Princess Diana to attract attention to his private club, Mar-a-Lago. Despite skepticism from social circles regarding his claims of royal interest, Trump continued to pursue connections with the royal family. Reports indicate that he even offered Prince Charles a complimentary membership to Mar-a-Lago, which was politely declined in favor of a charitable donation to the Prince’s environmental initiatives.

Rumors of interest from the royal couple in purchasing a condo in Trump Tower surfaced during the 1980s, but were later denied by Buckingham Palace. Dickie Arbiter, a former press spokesman for Queen Elizabeth II, remarked on the tendency of some individuals to seek publicity through associations with the royals, a strategy Trump appeared to employ during his rise in the real estate sector.

Trump’s fascination with the royals extends to his personal life as well. In his book, The Art of the Comeback, he expressed a regret about never having the opportunity to date Princess Diana, describing her as a “dream lady.” However, former BBC presenter Selina Scott reported that Trump did attempt to pursue Diana after her divorce from Prince Charles in 1996, but she felt uncomfortable with his advances.

Throughout his career, Trump has not shied away from public commentary about the royal family. His criticisms have included remarks about Kate Middleton, the now-Princess of Wales, and Meghan Markle, whom he described as “nasty.” Despite these past comments, experts believe that the British royal family will maintain a cordial atmosphere during the upcoming state visit.

According to Arbiter, the royals are accustomed to hosting various leaders, and Trump’s previous remarks are unlikely to influence their interactions. The ceremonial aspects of the visit, which Trump views as a significant opportunity for visibility and adulation, will likely take precedence over any past controversies.

As Trump prepares for his visit to the UK, the enduring connection he feels to the British royal family reflects both his personal history and his aspirations for status. With the spotlight on him once again, he embodies a unique blend of American ambition and royal fascination, a narrative that has defined much of his public life.