New revelations have surfaced regarding Queen Elizabeth II’s private views on Donald Trump, shedding light on previously undisclosed tensions between the late monarch and the former U.S. president. According to details revealed in author Craig Brown’s latest book, "A Voyage Around The Queen," the Queen found Trump’s behavior during his visits to Buckingham Palace to be less than regal, privately describing him as "very rude."
The late Queen, who passed away in September 2022 at the age of 96, hosted Trump at Buckingham Palace twice during his presidency. The first visit in 2018, labeled a "working visit," and the second in 2019, a state banquet commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day, were both marked by a series of awkward interactions that did not go unnoticed by the Queen.
Brown’s account reveals that the Queen was particularly perturbed by Trump’s demeanor during their initial meeting. She reportedly confided in a guest at a luncheon weeks later, expressing her disapproval of Trump’s apparent disinterest in their conversation, as he frequently glanced over her shoulder as if searching for someone more interesting to engage with. This behavior, which the Queen found disrespectful, stood in stark contrast to the decorum typically expected during such high-profile meetings.
The Queen’s private disdain extended beyond Trump’s behavior at the Palace. She reportedly speculated about the nature of Trump’s marriage to Melania, questioning the dynamics of their relationship. According to Brown, the Queen mused that Trump and Melania might have an "arrangement" of some sort, given the public and often scrutinized nature of their union.
Trump’s visits to Buckingham Palace were not without their share of public controversy as well. During his 2018 visit, Trump was criticized for keeping the Queen waiting in the summer heat for ten minutes, an incident that sparked widespread disapproval. Additionally, Trump’s sudden halt during a ceremonial walk, which forced the Queen to sidestep around him, was another breach of royal protocol that fueled negative headlines.
Despite these behind-the-scenes tensions, Trump has consistently portrayed his relationship with Queen Elizabeth in a positive light. He has publicly described their interactions as cordial and enjoyable, claiming that the Queen’s staff even remarked on how much she enjoyed his company. Upon the Queen’s passing, Trump issued a statement lauding her as a "grand and beautiful lady," further emphasizing the respect he claims to have held for her.
However, the newly revealed details suggest that the Queen’s private sentiments did not align with Trump’s public narrative. Moreover, the tension was not limited to the Queen alone. It has been reported that Prince Charles, now King Charles III, and Prince William deliberately distanced themselves from Trump during his first visit, leaving the Queen to meet with him alone. This absence was interpreted as a subtle snub, further indicating the unease that Trump’s presence generated among the British royal family.
As these revelations come to light, they provide a more nuanced understanding of the interactions between Trump and one of the world’s most respected monarchs. The behind-the-scenes tensions highlight the complexities of diplomatic relations, even among the most powerful figures on the global stage.