Trump hails the British Empire for bestowing 'law, liberty and free speech' to the world

President Trump has delivered a resounding tribute to the British Empire's monumental global legacy, declaring it laid the foundations of fundamental freedoms across the world during a spectacular state banquet at Windsor Castle.

The US leader stunned guests with his passionate proclamation that Britain's imperial past had gifted humanity with its most precious values, as he paid homage to the nation's extraordinary influence in shaping modern civilisation.

Speaking at the magnificent state dinner, Trump declared with conviction: "The British Empire laid the foundations of law, liberty, free speech, and individual rights virtually everywhere."

The President's stirring words came as King Charles delivered his own dramatic declaration, branding the US and the UK as "the closest of kin" while praising the unbreakable special relationship between the two powerhouse nations.

King hints at massive trade breakthrough

In a carefully crafted speech at the glittering state banquet that had been shared with No 10 in advance, the 76-year-old monarch dropped a significant hint that after the first groundbreaking trade deal with the US, "we can go even further."

Trump responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, insisting that the word "special" in the legendary special relationship "does not begin to do it justice."

President's poetic declaration of unity

The American leader delivered a beautifully crafted tribute, revealing that the UK and US were "like two notes in the same chord" that were "each beautiful on their own, but really meant to be played together".

Trump captivated the assembled guests with his heartfelt words: "Seen from American eyes the word special does not begin to do it justice."

He continued with passion: "We're joined by history and faith, by love and language and by transcendent ties of culture, tradition, ancestry and destiny.

"We're like two notes in one chord or two verses of the same poem, each beautiful on its own, but really meant to be played together. The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal.

"It's irreplaceable and unbreakable and we are, as a country, as you know, doing unbelievably well.

"We had a very sick country one year ago, and today, I believe we're the hottest country anywhere in the world. In fact, nobody's even questioning it, but we owe so much of that to you and the footing that you gave us when we started."

Glowing praise for radiant Princess Kate

Describing the 43-year-old Prince of Wales as "amazing", Trump also offered glowing tribute to the Princess of Wales, who was seated beside him, calling her "so radiant, so healthy, so beautiful".

The stunning Princess dazzled in an exquisite couture full-length, hand-embroidered evening coat in champagne-gold chantilly lace over a silk crepe gown by British designer Phillipa Lepley, crowned with the magnificent Lover's Knot tiara, which was created for Queen Mary in 1914, reports The Times

King's powerful tribute to shared sacrifice

In a moving speech at the start of the lavish banquet, Charles delivered stirring words about the nations' shared history: "Our people have fought and died together for the values we hold dear. We have innovated, traded and created together, fuelling our economies and cultures through myriad forms of exchange."

The King noted with humour that while the first president, George Washington, "famously vowed never to set foot on British soil", Trump had "set foot on British soil twice in the last two months".

Royal humour delights guests

In a playful reference to the president's two golf courses in Scotland, the King sparked laughter with his witty observation: "I gather British soil makes for rather splendid golf courses!"

Charles entertained guests with a self-deprecating joke about UK-US relations, recalling the time he was set up on a date with Tricia Nixon, the daughter of President Nixon, escorting her to a White House dinner.

The King quipped: "Had the media succeeded in the 1970s in their own attempt at deepening the special relationship, I myself might have been married off within the Nixon family!"

Special tribute honours Trump heritage

In a thoughtful recognition of the president's British heritage through his Scottish-born mother Mary Macleod, the King served guests a specially crafted transatlantic whisky sour cocktail garnished with a toasted marshmallow set on a star-shaped biscuit "evoking the warmth of a fireside s'more".

In his concluding remarks, Charles praised the president's "personal commitment to finding solutions to some of the world's most intractable conflicts, in order to secure peace".