President Donald Trump has thanked King Charles for bestowing on him “one of the highest honours of my life” in a second state visit.
The US leader spoke following King Charles’ speech at the State Banquet, where he praised Mr Trump’s “commitment” to finding solutions to world conflicts.
Mr Trump is the first US President to be invited to the UK for a second state visit and he joked that he “hopes he will be the last.”
Beginning his speech, the US President said: “Your Majesty, Melania and I are equally grateful to you and Queen Camilla for your extraordinary graciousness.
“And to William and Kate, thank you so much it has been so great being with you today. Thank you so much.
“It is a singular privilege to be the first American President welcomed here for a second state visit, that’s a first and maybe it will be the last time. I hope it is actually.
“This is truly one of the highest honours of my life. I have such respect for you and such respect for your country.”
He continued, praising the King and the country, saying: “His Majesty the King has epitomised the fortitude, nobility and the spirit of the British monarchy and the British people.
“He’s dedicated himself to preserving the glory and unique character of this Kingdom, restoring life to the rivers and streams, supporting the works of its artists and composers, planting trees and gardens in its countryside.
“And I just visited one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen that you just completed. And protecting the architectural integrity of cities, villages and towns.
“He has uplifted the poor, cared for rural farmers, and tended to wounded veterans like nobody else. I’ll tell you that. I just stood in line and shook about 150 hands.
“And the King knew every single person and every single company, and some of them had bad names like XYZ, and he knew every one of them, or at least I think he did, because nobody was complaining. I was very impressed with that.
“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 an unbelievable success in future. Melania and I are delighted to visit again with Prince William and to see Her Royal Highness Princess Catherine so radiant and so healthy and so beautiful. It’s really great honour. Thank you.
