Status, Splendor, Diana – Donald Trump’s 70-Year Affection for the UK Monarchy

Historical royal imagery

As the crowning ceremony of the Queen aired around the world, a six-year-old boy observed closely to a old-fashioned television at his home in New York City.

Mary Anne MacLeod Trump remained mesmerized before the screen, not moving throughout the day of June 2, 1953.

That child turned out to be Donald Trump.

Years later, as a real estate tycoon, he shared the impact his mother’s love of the royal family had on him through The Art of the Deal.

He credited his "love of spectacle" to her influence, describing her as "captivated by the pomp and circumstance."

That deep appreciation for royal splendor – alongside his personal sense of display – is set to be clearly visible when Trump returns to Windsor during his return official trip to the UK.

The royal summons from the monarch was delivered in person by Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a meeting, interpreted as a direct appeal to the President’s appreciation of ceremony.

Meeting in the Oval Office
Keir Starmer handed President Trump a formal invite by King Charles

Trump’s trip to the UK will be unprecedented – he is the sole US leader asked a pair of official visits.

Earlier, he was received by the former Queen Elizabeth II during an event at Windsor Castle, and his mother was a central memory.

Trump’s former national security staffer, Fiona Hill, wrote that he frequently mentioned his mother’s admiration for the British crown.

Being introduced to the Queen while in office was an obsession as it represented the "ultimate sign that he succeeded."

Trump’s mother in historical photo
His Scottish-born mother holding his infant sister decades ago

Shortly after the historic encounter, he remarked to Piers Morgan in an interview: "As I strolled, I remarked, ‘Just think my mother seeing this moment?’"

His fascination for the royals was apparent since his younger days.

A former associate who advised Trump during the 1990s recounts the businessman seeking to "stimulate interest" in the private club by rolling out Princess Diana’s name as a possible member.

Trump was viewed at the time as an newcomer, and the press quoted socialites who were unconvinced of the alleged royal interest.

"It seems like a Trump ploy to gain membership a social figure was quoted as saying.

Someone familiar with the membership drive stated that Trump proposed the then-Prince a free one-year membership, but got back a polite decline.

Alternatively, the response proposed Trump might give to philanthropic causes.

The associate also remembers how Trump remained obsessed with the response.

"Throughout, it’s been a major point for Donald Trump to be seen as historic," he said.

Trump at Windsor Castle
Donald Trump toured Windsor Castle during a 2018 visit

During the 1980s, media reports stated that the royal couple were looking at purchasing a luxury condo in Trump Tower.

This story, many have said, was likely originated with Trump himself.

A rejection was put out by the royal household, stating "no such interest existed."

A press spokesman for the Queen stated that Trump did not feature on the royals’ radar at that time.

"People have been leveraging royal names forever," he said. "The mantra is never complain."

The businessman addressed the incident in The Art of the Deal, writing he chose not to verify or rebut the speculation, adding it benefited Trump Tower.

Years after, he reportedly extended an invitation to the royal to his marriage ceremony to Melania Knauss.

The event was held in Mar a Lago, in a spacious ballroom modeled after Louis XIV’s Hall of Mirrors.

Commentator Kristen Meinzer notes Trump has spent years trying to model himself in the same mould as the royals.

"After purchasing Mar a Lago, he practically adopted the crest of the previous owners," she said.

Trump and Charles at an event
Donald Trump and his wife speaking to the King, at the time Prince Charles, at a New York event

From his perspective, the British throne has a worldwide prestige that he craves.

"They represent the peak of the upper class that he’s always wanted to be a part of," says expert Peter Harris.

"The other half is he just wants publicity… it combines these aspects in one family."

When he travels there, he knows he’ll get praise, great photo opportunities, greet the King, and nobody will be negative during the event.

One royal particularly held Trump’s interest.

Within another publication The Art of the Comeback that his only "disappointment in the romantic arena" was that he did not get the option to court Lady Diana Spencer.

He said she "lit up the room" and was "the ideal woman."

Yet, as reported by former BBC presenter Selina Scott, Trump attempted to date her after her divorce from Prince Charles.

In her account, Diana told her that Trump gave her "uneasy," and was alarmed as orchids kept arriving at her residence.

Following her tragic end, in a Howard Stern show, Trump asserted that he may have been with the former Princess.

Years after, he retracted any romantic interest, and only considered her to be "beautiful."

Royal figures imagery

Remarks on other women in the household have been negative.

In 2012, he criticized Kate, the future Queen, for unauthorized images taken while she was abroad.

Trump has also described Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, "awful" and "nasty," while she characterized him as "divisive" and "sexist."

These past remarks will colour the {state visit|official trip|royal

Timothy Greene
Timothy Greene

A passionate DIY enthusiast and home decor blogger sharing practical tips and creative inspirations for everyday projects.