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What We Know with Max Foster
British Royals Host Donald Trump At State Banquet; Fed Cuts Interest Rates By 25 Basis Points; Israel Launches Gaza City Offensive Amid Global Outcry. Aired 3-4p ET
Aired September 17, 2025 - 15:00 ET
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[15:00:25]
MAX FOSTER, CNN HOST: Pomp, pageantry and the president.
This is WHAT WE KNOW.
A state banquet hosted by King Charles, scheduled to start just minutes from now. It will cap off a day long lavish welcome for U.S. President
Donald Trump on his unprecedented second state visit to the U.K.
The royal procession is set to begin very shortly into the banqueting hall in the castle behind me. That will be followed by speeches at dinner. We'll
get to see all the guests as well. The royal family truly did roll out the red carpet for Mr. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump today.
The Trumps were officially welcomed to the U.K. with a horse drawn carriage ride on the grounds of Windsor castle and an inspection of the guard of
honor. The pomp and pageantry also included a spectacular flyover by the British Air Forces red arrows. As part of the beating retreat ceremony.
Not everyone, though, happy about the president's visit. Anti-Trump protesters gathered in central London. A poll published this week found
that 61 percent of Britons say they dislike the U.S. leader.
CNN White House reporter Alayna Treene is here in London. Our royal historian Kate Williams, as well.
Alayna, how's it gone down with this team?
ALAYNA TREENE, CNN WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: Yeah, I mean, today has obviously been a day full of pomp and pageantry -- pageantry, Max. And I can tell
you, you mentioned the flyover, those red arrows. That in particular, I was told by White House officials who accompanied the president, the first lady
here and who were present for some of those events today inside the castle grounds, said that was particularly appreciated by the president.
He loves that type of military show of force. He said it was impressive, that sort of thing. But of course, one of the big things that everyone is
looking forward to is that state banquet dinner this evening. I've mentioned this, but it's something that I know Melania Trump in particular
has been very excited about planning her outfits for this event for months now, and we also just got some new details about some of the guests who are
going to be attending that.
CNNs Kaitlan Collins was able to join a group of reporters who got a preview of the dinner, and one of the guests on that list is actually
Rupert Murdoch. He's someone who's actually being targeted right now by a lawsuit from the president. Given that "The Wall Street Journal", who is
part of Fox News Corp, which Rupert Murdoch and his -- his company owns for the publishing of and writing about that birthday book letter to Jeffrey
Epstein where they included that letter that the president argues that he did not sign, that he did not write.
So, all of that turning out to be very interesting turn of events to have Rupert Murdoch be there tonight with his wife, some of the other guests
that are going to be attending as well are our top officials of the president. That includes secretary of the treasury, Secretary of State
Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, the president's Middle East envoy, and many tech executives and different CEOs as well. People like Sam Altman and
Larry Fink, just to add to the list.
So there's a lot that people are waiting for this evening. They're going to be some speeches as well. But really capping off, Max, I think a day that
was meant to ingratiate the president with the United Kingdom specifically before we're going to see him tomorrow, appear alongside the prime
minister, Keir Starmer. That's really where a lot of the politics and policy are going to be hashed out.
We've reported that there's going to be some technology deals that they are planning to announce investments around all of that, but this is really a
unique card. I'd argue that the royals have that really, no other country has, and it comes at a time, of course, when the president has shown that
he's not really in keeping with the post-World War II kind of ways, and really scrambling some of the relationships that he's had with the United
States closest allies.
And so, this is a way, again, to kind of you know, enamor Donald Trump with all of the ceremony and pageantry around the royal events, but also to make
sure that that the United States relationship with the United Kingdom is as strong as ever.
FOSTER: Kate, you must have been fascinated by the military elements that we saw today because, you know, in the history of this castle, we don't
think it's been any bigger.
KATE WILLIAMS, CNN ROYAL HISTORIAN: No, we believe this is the biggest parade we've ever seen in terms of the troops, 1,300 troops were there,
representing the entirety of the armed forces.
[15:05:01]
And what was so significant about what we saw was the blend between the British music, the American music, "The Hymn of the Battle Republic" and
"Land of Hope and Glory". Really there, this pomp, this pageantry. We know that President Trump is particularly interested in the military and has
said before that if America was invaded, that he believes that Britain would be one of the few countries to assist.
And therefore, I think this focus on the military, this focus on this incredible pageantry, this focus on really getting up close to the
military. We saw the king earlier saying to President Trump, mind out for the sword, that really, I think, goes to the heart of what President Trump
was looking for. We know, apparently, that some of the documents he was shown from the royal library relating to American history, he asked for. We
know that perhaps he also wanted to see more of William and Kate, because he's very fond of them and very interested in them.
But I think particularly this great fly-past, this great ceremony, it went to the, you know, the heart of what Donald Trump was hoping to see, what he
wanted to see, and really, what would underline to him the importance of this, just as you were saying, that what Britain can do that's special,
what Britain can put on that special, it is this great parade, the ceremony and all in front of her, all in front of a castle that dates back to the
11th century.
FOSTER: We're going to get some speeches, aren't we, from the two heads of state. What do you expect to be in them? What do they normally speak to at
state banquets?
WILLIAMS: Well, the speeches were expecting to come about 8:30, and certainly speeches can cover all kinds of all kinds of subjects. But in the
2019 state visit, they were both very decorous. The queen talked about the importance of the immense bond between the United States and Britain, and
President Trump talked about the importance of a strong Britain, that it was as important as a strong United States.
So, my expectation is -- I mean, you never know with President Trump, he tears up the rule book. He could say anything. But my expectation is we'll
have a very decorous speech from the president tonight.
A lot of talk about the relationship between the United Kingdom and the USA, where I think we could get anything being said, is the press
conference. That's the press conference that's going to come tomorrow. I think that's what we're going to get. Anything being said tonight, I think
it's going to be a very, sort of very low key in terms of speeches. I don't think whatever Trump says tonight is going to be on the front of all the
front pages.
But you never know. You never know. It could be anything. And certainly. I think, but so far, I think the state visit couldn't have gone better in
terms of the planning that the royal household that the government have taken, taken a huge interest in. It was quite a last-minute state visit. It
was only since February that the invitation popped out of the bag, that Starmer popped it out of the bag, and there's been a lot of intense
planning and I think so far it couldn't have gone better.
But tonight, the state banquet in St. George's, 160 people, titans of industry, great people from the United States who live in the United
Kingdom. It is the jewel in the crown. And this is the moment in which President Trump and the king will have this close time and this time to
speak about the way in which Trump sees the special relationship in the years to come.
FOSTER: Kate Williams, Alayna Treene, thank you both very much for joining us.
Now we have to bring you some news as well about the U.S. Federal Reserve giving investors what they wanted, a quarter point interest rate cut, the
first since December of last year. Here is the mood on Wall Street as the country faces a slowing labor market and President Trump's expansive
tariffs. You can see all the numbers there.
Let's make sense of this with Richard Quest.
I mean, Donald Trump's had a pretty good day. It seems.
RICHARD QUEST, CNN BUSINESS EDITOR AT LARGE: Yes. And what's interesting is that there is no -- there's been no opportunity for Donald Trump to do
one of his extemporaneous press conferences. Normally, if he's signing a document or whatever he's doing, he will just take question after question
after question.
And I would imagine he is gagging to comment on today's quarter point cut in interest rates. I would be very surprised if he said something in his
speech. You just never know, because the man he has put on the Fed, Stephen Miron, actually voted for a half a point, a 50 basis point. He dissented on
25. He wanted an even bigger cut.
And bearing in mind this man was only confirmed on Monday, got a got, you know, sworn in. It was almost indecent haste with which the Senate moved to
get Donald Trump's man onto the FOMC or to the board of governors.
And he's done his business. He has voted for a higher cut than everybody else, but they have voted for a cut first of 2025. And there are likely to
be more before the end of the year.
FOSTER: Richard Quest in New York, thank you so much. Meanwhile, U.K. and U.S. have agreed a transatlantic tech -- excuse me -- technology pact. The
announcement coincides with President Donald Trump's visit here to the U.K.
As part of the deal, Google, Microsoft, Nvidia and others have pledged billions of dollars of infrastructure investment in the U.K. This will
build A.I. data centers, fund research and development.
One of the CEOs involved is the head of Nvidia, who is attending tonight's state banquet.
CNN's Anna Cooban spoke to him this morning and joins us now live.
A huge day for him. A massive win actually for the U.K., Anna.
ANNA COOBAN, CNN BUSINESS & ECONOMICS REPORTER: Yeah, I mean it really is. I was speaking to Huang this morning and he described the U.A. -- as having
the U.K. as having the potential to be an A.I. superpower. And in part of this $15 billion commitment that Nvidia is making to the country, that
includes 120,000 of Nvidia's most advanced A.I. chips to be rolled out across the country by the end of next year.
But what was interesting is the extent to which Jensen Huang thinks that the U.K. is really down on itself. He said that the Brits are, quote, far
too humble and that we have a responsibility to be more optimistic. He pointed to one of many advantages, one being that the U.K.'s huge research
base, world renowned universities.
But what I think was particularly striking is that his main concern today, Max, is nothing to do with A.I. It's really to do with what he's going to
wear at tonight's state banquet. And this is what he had to say about that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JENSEN HUANG, PRESIDENT AND CEO, NVIDIA: The part that scares me the most is the outfit I have to put on.
COOBAN: Well, what's your outfit?
HUANG: It is a very traditional thing, and there's a long tail and, you know, even --
COOBAN: You said leather, jacket over the top.
HUANG: Well, we'll see about that.
REPORTER: We've never seen you without that black leather jacket.
HUANG: I know. Nobody's ever seen me like that before. Nobody's ever seen me like that before. I tried it on last night. It -- yeah, maybe. It maybe,
a leather time. Maybe.
No, there's a very specific protocol, and I'm looking forward to the tradition. And so, it's going to be extraordinary.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COOBAN: So this state banquet is going to be an opportunity for him to revel in the pomp and the circumstance. But it will be an opportunity also
to talk shop. President Trump will obviously be there and Trump will be having a very vital call with President Xi of China on Friday. Now, this is
an opportunity for Huang to really talk, to have Trump's ear.
Nvidia's China business is incredibly important. But as Huang was saying this morning, it's been on a roller coaster. And, you know, this might be
an opportunity for Huang to really sort of influence how those talks are going to go.
FOSTER: Yeah. Looking at the list that is forming tonight, tech bosses are going to be here in force. A huge amount of wealth here at the castle as
ever.
But, Anna, thank you so much for joining us.
Now, an ominous warning from Israel's defense minister. He now warns Gaza City will be, quote, destroyed unless Hamas disarms and turns over the
remaining hostages. This comes as Israel's latest ground offensive defies international condemnation. Witnesses on the ground say Israeli tanks now
surround the edge of Gaza City.
In response to the worsening humanitarian crisis, the European Commission is proposing new trade sanctions against Israel.
Jasmine El-Gamal is a former Pentagon official, foreign policy analyst and host of the podcast "The View From Here".
Thank you for joining us.
JASMINE EL-GAMAL, MIDDLE EAST ANALYST: Thanks for having me.
FOSTER: You're here at the castle. I mean, it's strange how all these things come together. Weve got pro-Palestinian protesters.
People might be able to hear them in the background at the gates of Windsor Castle, trying to get Donald Trump's attention tonight, because he doesn't
seem to be intervening in what most countries agree is a -- is a is a humanitarian crisis, the U.N. -- well, a U.N. report saying it's a
genocide.
EL-GAMAL: That's right. And I'm so glad you put it that way. They're trying to get Donald Trump's attention. I think that's how so many people
feel right now that they're screaming into this void, trying to get Trump and world leaders to pay attention to what report after report is now
calling a genocide. The International Association of Genocide Scholars has called it a genocide, and it feels like these world leaders are just
completely not paying attention.
The Israeli government, Prime Minister Netanyahu, seems to just have complete carte blanche to do whatever he wants, not just in Gaza, but
across the region as well. You saw what happened in Qatar, in Doha, with that strike against the Hamas negotiating team. And so there's a huge sense
of frustration that you see outside here, a huge sense of helplessness, but also almost a lack of vocabulary that people are like, what words do we
have to use in order to get someone to do something about this?
FOSTER: The U.K. has been strong on the crisis, certainly as compared to the United States. So they're going to recognize the Palestinian state if
things go to plan at the un or things carry on as they are, as it were. This could be something that Keir Starmer could discuss tomorrow with
President Trump, an opportunity for a key European leader to express Europe's view, which is pretty united on Israel right now.
EL-GAMAL: That's right. The Europeans are finally starting to move. I mean, you know, long overdue in terms of action, to say that we might
suspend trade talks. I mean, this is something that they've been discussing for months.
[15:15:05]
And the recognition issue is another lever.
We know that Donald Trump is not in favor of recognition. He doesn't seem to think its a very significant move. If the U.K. does it. So, I don't know
how much impact that particular aspect of the conversation would have. I think based on things that have moved President Trump before, whether it's
in Ukraine or Gaza or Syria years ago, it's the human impact and the human factor.
So, I think if Prime Minister Starmer wants to try to get President Trump on board to hold back Israel and rein in some of the stuff that it's doing
and address this awful humanitarian crisis. It's more than that. You know, that's -- it's a huge understatement to say that that he might talk about
the human factor, the fact that the remainder of Gaza, whatever's left, is being utterly destroyed right now. And people literally, quite literally
have nowhere to go.
I was talking to someone who had family in Gaza yesterday. He hadn't heard from his sister in two days and says that all the roads that might lead to
anywhere else are closed. And so it's, I think, unimaginable for most of us, if not all of us, to think about what that's like right now. And so, I
think just trying to talk about that, the human aspect might be a way --
FOSTER: Reminding him of that.
EL-GAMAL: Yeah.
FOSTER: Jasmine, thank you so much for joining us here.
EL-GAMAL: Thank you.
FOSTER: Coming up, a state banquet hosted in Donald Trump's honor, about to get underway here at Windsor Castle. We'll be back in a moment with the
pictures when they come in.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
FOSTER: The British royal family may be rolling out the red carpet for Donald Trump, but not everyone in the U.K. is happy that he's here. Roughly
5,000 protesters joined an anti-Trump demonstration in London today and last night, four people were arrested after activists projected images of
Trump and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein onto the walls here of Windsor Castle.
[15:20:06]
What we want to know is, how has Donald Trump been made to feel welcome in the United Kingdom?
Joining me now, Quentin Peel, the former foreign editor at "The Financial Times".
I mean, he does watch the media, doesn't he, Quentin? So, he will have seen a lot of this, but he wouldn't have seen it firsthand because he's been so
protected from the public effectively.
QUENTIN PEEL, FORMER FOREIGN EDITOR, FINANCIAL TIMES: Yes, he's been completely shut away as far as I can see, at least from the real world
outside. I quite like the comment I saw yesterday which said probably the nearest he'll get to ordinary Brits are the waiters at the banquet tonight.
Other than that, everybody else has either been in uniform or has been a member of the royal family or the government.
FOSTER: Does that ruined it a bit do you think this -- because a carriage procession, at least part of the fun, is, you know, going past the crowds,
surely, and waving at them? You know, this idea that he came through the park without any members of the public and won't come in touch with the
public at all, is, you know, a big absence, isn't it, from a state visit?
PEEL: It's very peculiar. The whole day is very peculiar because it seems like it's all something rather artificial, made for television, to be
honest. And you see it, it's like an extraordinary theater.
So, the people who are actually really engaged in the state visit are part of that theater. The real world outside is actually a terrible world -- of
the real world of what's happening in Gaza or Ukraine, and the anger on the streets of London which may not have been loud enough to reach Donald
Trump, but nonetheless, it just seems as if were almost in two different worlds.
FOSTER: Was that a price worth paying, do you think, for the government, for the palace to accept that it might frustrate some members of the
public? But as long as Donald Trump goes home and happy, Britain more broadly will gain?
PEEL: Well, I think that remains to be seen, to be honest, I think that the maybe we'll see tomorrow whether there is progress on sort of political
issues rather than the ceremonies that we've seen today. And I'm sure that the government of Sir Keir Starmer, would present this, as being this is a
necessary way for us to deal with the U.S. president. And if we can make progress, whether it be on reducing the tariffs that he wants to impose on
British exports or indeed getting him closer to the European position on Ukraine and on Russia.
And indeed, is there any movement that can be made on what's happening in Israel and Gaza? If there's positive movement there, then the pageantry may
be said to be worthwhile.
FOSTER: Yeah. Interesting, isn't it? And Starmer is in such a weak position. How do you think Trump will treat that? Is that an opportunity,
you know, to -- I don't know. Is he going to try and undermine Keir Starmer, knowing that he's in a vulnerable position, give him less?
PEEL: I think Donald Trump is such an unpredictable person. I think that - - I suspect that he'll come away from today feeling pretty good, actually, and feeling that they really the Brits really laid it on for him and that
will please him. So, he will actually, in spite of the fact that he may perceive Keir Starmer as being a much weaker prime minister than he was
when they first, when he first met him, that that actually Keir Starmer's position domestically has actually been really battered in the last couple
of weeks.
So, he's not going to be the man with the huge majority, just one in an election that he thought he was dealing with. Having said that you know, I
think everything's to play for. And the trouble is, were fascinated by Donald Trump precisely because he's so unpredictable.
Is he going to turn round and say, look, okay, you can have this zero tariff on steel if you want it? It doesn't look like they're going to get
it. But that was one of the big asks on the economic front that the Brits wanted out of this.
What they do seem to be getting is all the big tech companies piling in and saying, oh, we're going to invest in Britain. So that is the positive story
that the British government is very keen to get us all to listen to.
FOSTER: On the American guest list tonight, we're seeing a lot of top tech CEOs appearing on it, as well as Rupert Murdoch appearing on it, and we're
assuming he's appearing on the U.S. guest list because he's unlikely to be on the guest list. But there's a lot of tension between Murdoch and Trump.
Can you -- I mean, I'm sure you don't know the answer, but if you try to figure out what's going on there?
[15:25:05]
PEEL: Do you think that for once maybe Rupert Murdoch will be sitting, as they say, sometimes below the salt, i.e. a great distance away from the
U.S. president? I wonder what's going to happen. It's a really sensitive and strange situation because certainly there is that huge libel suit that
is supposed to be taking place between Donald Trump and "The Wall Street Journal", including its owner, one Rupert Murdoch.
FOSTER: Yeah, it's really interesting. We'll see the picture soon. Quentin, thank you so much, as ever for joining us with your insights on
this state visit.
Meanwhile, First Lady Melania Trump also making an impact today with her choice of outfits. In fact, she's been showcasing the best of British
fashion, touching down in the U.K. in a trench coat by iconic British designer Burberry. This morning, it was all about her headwear, though, and
eye catching Christian Dior hats.
Now, it's all eyes on Windsor Castle as she attends tonight's state banquet. We've just seen a picture, actually, of the prince and princess of
Wales, and that's gone viral already.
Senior White House reporter Betsy Klein has more.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BETSY KLEIN, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: Well, Max, First Lady Melania Trump and Catherine, the princess of Wales, are both private
spouses with massive global platforms.
And from this morning's arrival ceremony to an event tomorrow with the scouts, Melania and Kate are going to have multiple joint appearances
during the state visit, really underscoring the United Kingdom's effort here to cultivate ties with the Trump family at what's become a very
sensitive, diplomatic time.
Now, this visit also marks a key moment for both women and the roles that they play on the world stage. For the first lady, one source familiar with
state visit planning tells me that getting ready for this trip has been a months-long endeavor, from the selection of gifts to meticulously studying
her counterparts, to even deconflicting outfits. And when she's prepping for a visit like this, she will receive a memo with biographical
information about the leaders she's going to be meeting, and then a more substantive binder with details about plans for her outings and her
counterparts personal interests.
Now, it's important to note that the first lady is seen and not heard at so many of these appearances. So, the message she is sending through her
wardrobe choices is very significant. One White House source tells us she had been planning her outfits, particularly that dress for the state
banquet for months, and we saw her as she nodded to her British hosts. With that iconic Burberry trench coat.
And the source familiar with planning also tells me that these details can sometimes be exchanged through diplomatic channels. That source says,
quote, we were pretty forthright, calling and saying, is she wearing blue today? And what shade of blue is it? And then we would wear navy if she was
wearing sky blue. We definitely don't want to clash. We want to compliment.
And then for the princess, who returned to a lighter schedule of engagements last September after really scaling back her appearances for
cancer treatments, this marks a meaningful milestone for her recovery, but it is also a strategic deployment of her star power.
I spoke with the journalist Elizabeth Holmes, who has chronicled both U.S. politics and the royal family over the years. And she noted that there have
long been conversations about the relevance of the British monarchy in modern times, but right now, she says, they are there to impress, and they
do. Holmes says that nobody does it like they do.
They have the carriage ride, the state dinner, all of the pomp and circumstance that they're able to provide the Trumps. That is a real asset
for the United Kingdom, Max.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
FOSTER: Thank you so much to Betsy for that.
Dinners almost served. Well get to see the rest of the outfits tonight when we come back. The state banquet for Donald Trump and King Charles. What's
being discussed? What's on the menu? And of course, the rocks and frocks.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[15:32:27]
FOSTER: Almost dinner here at Windsor Castle any minute now. U.S. President Donald Trump, King Charles -- U.S. President Donald Trump, King
Charles, a host of dignitaries from the United States and the U.K. will all be sitting down for a state banquet. We're starting to see some outfits.
It is the culmination of what's been a day of traditional pomp and pageantry for the U.S. president. We'll also hear speeches or toasts from
the guests, and we'll bring those to you live, of course, if we do.
President Trump and his wife Melania, arrived here at Windsor this morning by helicopter, where they were greeted by the prince and princess of Wales
and then welcomed by King Charles and Queen Camilla. They were due to have lunch and lay a wreath at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II, all closed to the
press.
But the highlight of the afternoon, no doubt, was the beating retreat ceremony.
(VIDEO CLIP PLAYS)
FOSTER: The event historically marked the end of the day for the military, when camp gates were closed and flags are lowered, but today its part of
pomp and pageantry to welcome the American president on his second state visit, unprecedented for a non-royal.
We can now report what's on the menu for the banquet tonight. It's a three- course meal. It's tried to mix cultures as best as they can to start with is a watercress panna cotta with a parmesan shortbread and a quail egg
salad. The main course is chicken ballotine, wrapped in courgettes with a thyme and savory infused juice.
And for dessert, a vanilla ice cream bombe with raspberry sorbet and lightly poached plums. Oh, there's also a selection of vintage wine and
spirits available. Although Mr. Trump, who is famously teetotal, will presumably not be partaking.
Our White House reporter Alayna Treene nearby in London, royal watcher Bidisha Mamata with us as well.
I mean, it makes you so hungry, doesn't it, elena? But have we got anything on? Melania Trump's outfit? Because so many people are asking me about it.
Weve had a recent picture of the princess of Wales still waiting on the queen.
TREENE: Yes. No. They have been keeping her outfit under wraps despite all of the anticipation. Of course, we're just starting to get some of the
images of the room inside where the state banquet is happening, and so hopefully, we will get a picture of that soon. But -- and I know I've said
this before to you, Max, but this is one of the things that I know Melania Trump, the first lady, cares so much about, of course, is fashion and what
she wears.
[15:35:00]
And this is an outfit that she has been planning for months, particularly the outfit tonight for the state banquet. So definitely a lot of
anticipation around that. And I also think, of course, a lot of anticipation around this guest list.
There are going to be many people, many members of the president's family, of course, but also you know, some of his allies and other investors that
he's been working with CEOs of different tech companies. Of course, we've seen CEOs kind of go with him a lot of places in recent months.
But some people that are mentioned for the guest list tonight include Sam Altman. He's the head of OpenAI. He's also supposed to be part of a
technology deal that is expected to be announced tomorrow, when the president goes to Chequers. Of course, the prime minister's country estate,
for more of the policy and politics discussions.
But many other members attending. I know you mentioned earlier that were also going to see Rupert Murdoch, which is going to be quite, quite a guest
to have when he's in serious litigation with the president.
But look, this is really kind of the grand finale. I would argue, of this day of pomp and ceremony and pageantry all, of course, set to really
ingratiate the president and strengthen ties between the United States and the United Kingdom at a time when they need that, they need America as a
very strong ally. Of course, when we see the president, you know, kind of kind of loose with his trade policy with, with the tariffs that are
definitely going to be hammered out more, I'm told, in discussions tomorrow when they go to Chequers.
And also just, you know, wanting to make sure the alliance is strengthened at a time when the United States relationship with many of their allies
across the globe, is much weakened now than it had been previously, and I think as well very curious to see what the speeches will look like tonight
as well. But one thing I do want to point out, that kind of struck me today in watching all of this, was not only how the president, of course, was
enamored by a lot of the showing deference to the royals, but he had a lot of one-on-one conversations as well with the king.
And we know that their politics are very different. The king, of course, some of his priorities right now being more aid to Ukraine as they fight
off Russian aggression, climate policy, a lot of different things like that, that really his politics differ from President Donald Trump's.
Curious if any of that came up today, but it was a notable, thing to see, really, that the president was having such, such amount of time alone with
King Charles, something I'm definitely going to be pushing my sources on as we --
FOSTER: Yeah, Alayna, I just want to speak to some of the pictures we're seeing here.
We've got the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police there. We just saw Sam Altman as well. We saw a gathering of U.K. politicians as well. The
foreign secretary and her husband.
Bidisha, I don't know if you can see these images, but do point people out as we see them because it is fascinating, because effectively, what we've
got here is the British and American governments giving away the hottest seats in town, a real privilege, but it kind of speaks to who they think is
important to them and their nations, right?
BIDISHA MAMATA, ROYAL WATCHER: I think that you're absolutely right. We should not be distracted by the external pomp and ceremony. This isn't
about celebrity. This is about power.
The fashion is wonderful. The zow (ph) is going to be undeniably delicious. But the real tea being spilled is all about money and power and making
deals. Donald Trump might be giving over this evening to his wife's enjoyment at the banquet, but I think he'll be casting eyes up and down the
table as he looks at who he can do business with politically, militarily, financially, moving forward.
FOSTER: In terms of this, you know, it's as large as the day, isn't it? This is St. George's Hall. We've got this enormous table. Weve got these
very high-profile guests. The food's going to be extraordinary.
All the drinks, even, Bidisha, I've been told, have links with members of the family. Something that might link with, you know, have a date on it,
which is relevant to Donald Trump's mother. Theres a cocktail mixing, all of the ideas from, you know, American mixology and British mixology.
There are going to be so many things to point out to make the president feel special. It's still ultimately about him, isn't it?
MAMATA: I think that is totally hitting the nail on the head. Or shall we say its hitting the exquisite crystal where with a lovely silver fish
knife, every little bit of this evening has been expertly curated. So, the mixologists that developed the special cocktail has probably been working
on it feverishly for about three or four, I was going to say weeks. It was probably months, in fact.
And not only that, but the esthetics, every element, the sights, the sounds, the smells, the tastes, the way that the room looks from every
single angle.
[15:40:02]
It's as if Trump isn't a president. He is also a king. These are two kings from nations coming together. Their dynasties, the whole pageantry of this
is not to do with parliament. It's to do with the royal life. It's serving up Bridgerton meets Downton Abbey for everyone to enjoy.
It is pure splendor during tough times. If you look at the headlines, they're depressing, they're bleak, but not if you look at that sumptuous
scarlet carpet, not if you look at the people in glorious evening dress milling around -- the precision laid table settings, the way that each
chair is the same distance away from the table. None of this is an accident. It is all exquisitely choreographed.
FOSTER: The wine is from 1945 vintage, recognizing the 45th, as well as the 47th president of the U.S. The cognac, I'm told, from the president's
mother's birth year which is interesting.
And I mean, it just goes on and on and on, including the cocktail that you were talking about there. We can also expect to see a procession coming in.
This is when it really starts.
These are the -- this is one level of guests, if you like. It looks pretty high level, but the higher level is going to be walking in after the
president and the king. Elena, a few of the names I'm seeing appearing after the prince and princess of Wales.
We've got Tim Cook, which I think is interesting, isn't it? Tiffany Trump. Youve got Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff who you would expect. But this
procession is going to be a real honor for anyone in it.
But what do you think about Tim Cook? What are the other tech execs going to be thinking about that?
TREENE: Like I said, I mean, we've now seen Tim Cook accompany the president many different times, more so I'd argue at the White House. Of
course, he was part of the group of tech CEOs that joined the president.
They were supposed to join the president for the first dinner a couple of weeks ago in the Rose Garden, which the president had redone at the White
House. They ended up moving it inside, but he likes to tout these relationships with these different CEOs. It's also just striking to see him
here after.
I mean, if you look back to the first term, he had a very different relationship with Tim Cook and Apple. Very similar story. When you look at
another, a lot of other tech CEOs that the president has become very close with this term.
Mark Zuckerberg, of course, Jeff Bezos, all of them really working hard, like many of the foreign leaders that we've been discussing, trying to make
sure that they have better relationships with Trump at a time when a lot of his policies have been volatile, and also, of course, very much affecting
their companies.
Some other people we know, in addition to Tim Cook, we're going to see Larry Fink there. I mentioned we saw Sam Altman earlier who's going to be a
key part of some of the deals that were going to see tomorrow. I mean, a ton of them have been so crucial as well, I think, to one of the key things
the president has been wanting during his second term, which is investments in the United States, almost every single foreign trip we've seen, the
president go on has been about striking those types of economic deals that he views as being good for America.
He makes sure he can mention those almost any opportunity he gets. I am sure we will hear a lot of that tomorrow when he addresses reporters in
Chequers, but that's partly why I'm sure some of them are there. Oh, just looking at the camera now.
You see, Karoline Leavitt there, the president's press secretary, as well as Margot Martin. She's someone who kind of follows the president around.
She does a lot of social media forum, one of his closest assistants.
So you're seeing the people who are with the president. I know a lot of people who sit near the oval office who are in that crucial, you know, have
that crucial real estate in the West Wing are going to be at this dinner tonight as well. Many of them, of course, also very excited to be a part of
this, to be near the royals. And so, a big moment for them indeed, Max.
FOSTER: Yeah. I mean, what's standing out for you here, Bidisha? I think the procession will come very soon. And then we'll get the speeches. But
what are you expecting, you know, to come out of this, ultimately?
MAMATA: This is actually quite momentous, because I'm thinking that the nights are drawing in, and this is the opening of the autumn winter state
and social season. This almost marks the beginning of a new and reset power relationship, a slightly warmed up friendship between the U.S. and the U.K.
And that's precisely why the people who are in the room are huge power holders behind the scenes.
And yet, at the same time, look how gorgeous this room is. It's flattering. This is not after-work drinks, albeit it would be the most elite after-work
drinks ever known to humanity. This is pure gorgeousness. This is like the ultimate fancy chocolates advert.
[15:45:02]
And people in the room, they're milling around, watch them as they look over each other's shoulders. They are looking at the gorgeous ceremonial
displays, that fabulous armor. The lighting is so flattering. It's designed to say you are one of the chosen few.
There are fewer than 200 guests. Thats really relatively tiny, and so if you have made it to the top room and the top table, you are really in, they
are going to be talking about this for months to come. It's an unprecedented second state visit by an unprecedented second term president.
So, this is a very significant event. And you see that no one is in any hurry to sit down. They are socializing. They are luxuriating in their own
and others splendor. And what you can see, even from the livery of the attendance, is that all of this is very consciously and I think,
deliberately steeped in history.
It's also a rare oasis of calm and wealth and elegance and ease and peace. And this is something, of course, the royal family in the U.K. do so very
well to say things outside might be stormy. We never change, we endure, we evolve with the seasons. And that's why you've got these great figureheads
in the prince and princess of Wales. This is why you have ceremonial pageantry. It's to reassure that these power relations, along with all of
the attendant grace and beauty and elegance and privilege, are not going to change.
FOSTER: Being told that the princess of Wales will appear in the lovers knot tiara, which, you know, people hold out for on these moments, because
this is about the frocks, it's about the rocks. If you have a tiara, how many times do you actually wear it? This is one of those moments where you
can wear it. And she's also wearing a gold gown. You'll see her coming in, wearing that in a moment. And all eyes, of course, on Melania Trump as we
await the procession at Windsor Castle.
Back in a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[15:50:18]
FOSTER: The procession of the VIPs really at the VIP state banquet about to begin. So we're going to see the president of the United States being
brought in to this spectacular banqueting hall at Windsor Castle accompanied by King Charles, but also followed by the prince and princess
of Wales. People talk about outfits.
We know that Melania is wearing yellow. We don't have too much more detail than that. Currently, just an image to go on at this point. The princess of
Wales, a gown by British designer Phillipa Lepley and its gold. It is embroidered gold Chantilly lace that's the evening coat over a silk crepe
gown. So, there you have it. For all the fashion watchers, it is a big part of these events because it's an opportunity to wear the most exclusive gear
you can actually get together.
So, you can see them all starting to make their way in. Princess Anne there in the background. Let's have a look. I think we can see the procession
starting, which will be headed by the president and the monarch.
Okay, so they're making their way slowly into the banqueting hall. We have the prince and princess of Wales, following the king. And they are.
You can see the queen and Melania Trump, followed by the prince of Wales and Michael Bo -- was due to be Michael Boulos. Certainly, isn't. Michael
Boulos have swapped it around a bit. That's the princess of Wales with Michael Boulos. Paula Reynolds is with the prince of Wales.
Ambassador Warren Stevens there with the princess royal, Princess Anne, to the right, coming into shot there. Vice Admiral Tim Lawrence, Princess
Anne's husband, with dame Vivian Hunt. The duke of Gloucester, one of the minor royals, but a working royal alongside Laurie Huang.
And the honorable James Blair with the duchess of Gloucester there. Tim Cook with Timothy -- Tiffany Trump also following up there behind all about
to enter this glorious room and you'll hear, the trumpeters there up in the gallery, you can see the conductor brace ready to start as soon as they
come into the room, and then it will all go dead quiet. And people, things will get very formal indeed.
(NATIONAL ANTHEM)
So, we just heard there the national anthem, and everyone's about to be seated. They have to wait for the king to seat. It's all led by the king,
really. They can't really eat until the king starts either. So there's lots of etiquette for everyone to follow.
But everyone obviously rushing to their seats. Anyone not in their seats by this point. A bit of a faux pas when the king and the president are already
there, the prince of Wales sitting next to Melania Trump, and we have the princess of Wales actually hosting the president to his right. And we'll
see everyone else gradually take their seats alongside them. So, they've got to be treated to a spectacular meal. They'll be offered some drinks,
and then we expect to hear the speeches and a huge amount of staff working extremely hard on this occasion.
[15:55:05]
Every single plate and piece of cutlery has been measured with a measuring stick, a measuring stick that's been used for, you know, decades, if not
centuries. Going back to Victorian times. So, the system that they used to lay out these tables has been -- the same one that they've been using for
many, many years. And to get the state banqueting, china out and the glassware out is quite something. So you can imagine the effort that's gone
into this moment.
Bidisha, what are you thinking?
MAMATA: I think this looks supremely elegant, and it's not lost on me. The sight of President Trump and King Charles sitting cozily together with
their heads together. I have a feeling that with their quirky personalities, they are actually going to have quite a fun conversation.
It's also not lost on me that Catherine Middleton, the princess of Wales, is seated at Trump's right hand. We know that he loves beautiful women, but
we know too, that she is extremely good at doing her duty as a working royal. She will have exactly the conversation that keeps everything
flowing. She is brilliantly drilled in the airs, the graces, the arts, the etiquette. As you mentioned, the staff are as well. This has been
gorgeously choreographed.
KING CHARLES III, UNITED KINGDOM: It is with great pleasure that my wife and I welcome you to Windsor Castle on this, your second state visit to the
United Kingdom. This unique and important occasion reflects the enduring bond between our two great nations, anchored by the deep friendship between
our people. This relationship, which with good reason, we and our predecessors have long called special, has made us safer and stronger
through the generations.
Our people have fought and died together for the values we hold dear. We have innovated, traded and created together, fueling our economies and
cultures through myriad forms of exchange. We have celebrated together, mourned together, and stood together in the best and worst of times.
Mr. President, as we approach the 250th anniversary of the declaration of independence next year, it is remarkable to think just how far we have come
I cannot help but wonder what our forebears from 1776 would make of this friendship today. The rebel commander and pioneering first president,
George Washington, famously vowed never to set foot on British soil. And my five times great grandfather, King George III, for his part, did not spare
his words when he spoke of the revolutionary leaders.
Today, however, we celebrate a relationship between our two countries that surely neither Washington nor King George could possibly have imagined. The
ocean may still divide us, but in so many other ways, we are now the closest of kin.
Mr. President, you have spoken of your pride in your British roots. In fact, not only have you set foot on British soil twice in the last two
months alone, but I understand that British soil makes for rather splendid golf courses.
Now, for my part, I have always admired the ingenuity of the American people and the principles of freedom which your great democracy has
represented since its inception.
Throughout my life, from the very first visit to the United States in 1970 and over 20 visits since that time, I have cherished the close ties between
the British and American people's.
In fact, had the media succeeded in the 1970s in their own attempt to deepening the special relationship, I myself might have been married off
within the Nixon family.
Mr. President, from York to New York, from Birmingham, England, to Birmingham, Alabama, we are united by a common language and shared
heritage.
END
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