Trump and Tommy: A turbulent week in Britain

The King and the President's speeches were so complimentary it was as if they were renewing marriage vows.

- ANTONIA FILMER

Imagine a President Trump State visit and a Tommy Robinson March in the same week, but this was the reality show in the UK.

The Anglophile Donald J. Trump and his beautiful, stylish First Lady arrived to be greeted with all the fanfare, pomp and what is now called "tiara diplomacy" that Britain could muster. King Charles appeared very relaxed in the President's company and Trump seemed to appreciate all the ceremony and efforts made. Following the Coldstream, Scotts and Grenadier Guard of Honour inspection the King warned the President to mind the sword during the final salute.

The guest list and the seating plan at the State banquet was master class in Royal diplomacy and etiquette. Trump's family and his close aides were next to royals and tech giants. The guest list drew from across the worlds of business, AI, trade, media and the golf spectrum, all strategically placed. The menu was very British and unfussy, and even the drinks menu was selected to please the President. Despite him being a teetotaller, a new whisky sour and marmalade cocktail was invented and a California wine served. The 1945 port was chosen to reflect the 45th and 48th Presidency, and the special Champagne Cognac was chosen to reflect the President's mother's birth year.

The King and the President's speeches were so complimentary it was as if they were renewing marriage vows. For all concerned, Wednesday's events could not have gone better. The success was attributed to the King and Queen who made the nation proud.