King Charles III caught President Donald Trump’s attention with an unexpected warning during the ceremonial Guard of Honour inspection at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, as the two leaders walked past a row of soldiers during the traditional military review.
The unscripted moment occurred when the British monarch and the American president stopped to chat with the guard who had led them through the inspection. As the soldier brandished his sword in a sweeping movement, Charles issued a brief but pointed instruction: “Watch the sword!”
The exchange, captured on video by Sky News, demonstrated the ease between the two leaders during Trump’s second official state visit to the United Kingdom. Trump had told reporters on September 15 that Charles and Queen Camilla were longtime friends from before the monarch’s coronation, describing their relationship as an honor and praising Charles as an elegant gentleman who represents the country well.
The sword referenced in the king’s warning was not the only blade featured during the state visit. In keeping with diplomatic tradition, the Trumps presented Charles with a replica of a President Eisenhower sword during the customary gift exchange. Buckingham Palace indicated the gift symbolized profound respect and served as a reminder of the partnership critical to winning World War II, while representing the ongoing special relationship between the United States and Great Britain.
The state visit included numerous ceremonial elements beyond the military inspection. Trump and first lady Melania Trump participated in a formal banquet at Windsor Castle, where the president was seated between Charles and Princess Catherine. During his speech at the banquet, Trump noted his distinction as the only American president to receive two official state visits to Britain, expressing hope it would be his final such trip.
Prince William and Princess Catherine played prominent roles throughout the visit, greeting the presidential couple upon their arrival and participating in private meetings that Kensington Palace aides described as warm and friendly. Trump praised William’s future prospects and complimented Catherine on her appearance, telling her she looked radiant, healthy and beautiful during the banquet proceedings.
Sources close to the monarch told Vanity Fair that Charles expressed satisfaction with how the visit proceeded, indicating it could not have gone better. The king reportedly felt thrilled about the visit and pleased with the global perception of the event, with the Royal Family making considerable efforts to accommodate their American guests.
Beyond the ceremonial aspects, the visit included substantive diplomatic elements. Trump met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers on September 18 for bilateral discussions covering various international issues. The leaders signed a major investment agreement dubbed the “Tech Prosperity Deal,” with the British government announcing more than $200 billion in American investment commitments to the United Kingdom.
During a joint news conference with Starmer, Trump addressed his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing disappointment and stating that Putin had “really let me down.” The president also discussed various domestic and international policy matters, including his administration’s approach to renewable energy and his views on wind power development.
The visit highlighted the personal relationships Trump has cultivated with British royalty over the years. First lady Melania Trump had previously written about her friendship with the royal family and correspondence with Charles in her memoir published in October 2024. Lip readers analyzed conversations between the royals and their American guests, revealing Charles made a lighthearted comment to Melania about hoping the wind would not blow away her distinctive purple hat.
The state visit concluded on September 18 when Trump and the first lady departed from London Stansted Airport aboard Air Force One, returning to Washington after the two-day diplomatic engagement. The visit marked Trump’s second official state visit to Britain, following his previous trip hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.
