Queen Elizabeth II found former U.S. President Donald Trump “very rude” during his UK state visits in 2018 and 2019, according to a new biography reviewed by media outlets in August 2024. This revelation counters Trump’s repeated claims of a warm relationship with the late queen, often reminiscing about their interactions during his visits.

The biography, titled “A Voyage Around the Queen,” written by British journalist Craig Brown, suggests that Queen Elizabeth expressed concerns about Trump’s behavior just weeks after his inaugural visit. Brown reports that the queen took issue with Trump’s tendency to glance over her shoulder during conversations, as if seeking someone more engaging to converse with.

Trump’s conduct during his 2018 visit to Windsor Castle stirred controversy when he arrived late and walked ahead of the queen, actions deemed disrespectful according to royal protocol. Brown’s biography asserts that these breaches of protocol were not well-received by the queen, known for her appreciation of tradition and etiquette. Buckingham Palace has not officially responded to these allegations, adhering to the royal family’s typical reticence on such issues.

The biography also reveals Queen Elizabeth’s musings on Trump’s relationship with his wife, Melania Trump. The queen reportedly speculated to a guest about a possible arrangement between Trump and his wife, questioning why Melania would otherwise remain married to him. Such personal reflections provide a rare insight into the private thoughts of Queen Elizabeth, which she generally kept out of public view.

Trump has categorically denied the claims made in Brown’s biography. Following his 2019 state visit, Trump recounted how the queen and he had shared laughter and enjoyment, with her staff noting that the queen hadn’t experienced such fun in 25 years. He described their encounters as extraordinary and insisted on an immediate connection between them, asserting that the queen was more animated with him than with other world leaders.

Yet, the biography suggests that Queen Elizabeth’s perception of Trump was considerably less positive than what he recalls. It paints a picture of the queen as a gracious host who privately expressed her disapproval of certain world leaders, Trump included.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, a former Buckingham Palace official contradicted Brown’s claims in an interview with the New York Post, stating the queen found Trump and his family to be “gracious” guests and was more concerned with their comfort than the strict observance of royal protocol.

Upon Queen Elizabeth’s passing in 2022, Trump paid tribute to her, lauding her as an exceptional woman and fondly recounting the times he and Melania spent with her. Trump said that he and his wife would forever cherish their time with the queen and remember her warm friendship, wisdom, and unique sense of humor.

The exact nature of the queen’s private thoughts about Trump remains uncertain, but Brown’s biography offers rare insights into the mind of the typically reserved monarch. The conflicting accounts shed light on the enigmatic character of Queen Elizabeth, known for her discretion and neutrality during her extensive reign.