Palace insiders disclosed that during their state visit to Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump stayed in separate suites, as reported by British media.
The arrangement provided the couple with personal space within the 11th-century royal residence, which comprises over 1,000 rooms, including state apartments, private chambers, chapels, and offices. Trump’s team arranged for their preferred bedding to be delivered from the United States in advance, and palace staff accommodated this request for the presidential suite.
Royal expert Alastair Bruce noted that guests at Windsor usually have access to suites with both double and single beds, enabling couples to enjoy shared accommodations without disturbances. The Trumps’ separate arrangements are similar to those of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who also maintained separate sleeping quarters. Similarly, King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla live in separate residences.
Trump’s advance team inspected his Windsor suite prior to his arrival at Stansted Airport on Tuesday evening, deciding that their own linens were preferable to the existing royal bedding. A courtier humorously remarked that Trump wished to avoid staining the royal sheets with his tanning products, according to palace sources.
The sleeping arrangements contribute to ongoing discussions about the Trump marriage, with journalist Michael Wolff previously observing that Donald and Melania Trump lead largely separate lives. Wolff noted in May that “they clearly do not in any way inhabit a marriage as we define marriage” and described them as apart. The White House has consistently dismissed Wolff’s assertions as false.
The New York Times reported in May that Melania often disappears from public view for extended periods, splitting her time between residences in New York and Florida. White House officials have responded that the first lady is present at the White House more often than publicly acknowledged, though they declined to provide specific details.
During Wednesday’s welcoming ceremony, Trump and the British royals exchanged gifts in accordance with state visit traditions. King Charles and Queen Camilla presented Trump with a leather-bound book commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, along with the Union Jack that flew over Buckingham Palace during his second inauguration.
Trump presented Queen Camilla with a vintage Tiffany diamond-and-ruby flower brooch, while King Charles received a replica of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s sword, symbolizing the U.S.-U.K. alliance during World War II. This ceremonial sword, adorned with gold and jewels, was crafted by Wilkinson Sword as a tribute rather than for combat.
Melania Trump was gifted a silver-and-enamel bowl by Northern Irish artist Cara Murphy and a designer handbag by Anya Hindmarch. The exchange of gifts occurred privately after the public welcoming ceremony, which included a guard of honor from three British Army regiments, a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and a horse-drawn carriage procession.
The visit coincided with the absence of Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie, who were on pre-scheduled international duties. Prince Edward visited Papua New Guinea from September 14 to 17 to observe the country’s 50th anniversary of independence from Australia, followed by a joint trip to Japan with his wife from September 18 to 22.
Some royal commentators criticized the horse-drawn carriage procession. Richard Eden of the Daily Mail described it as embarrassing and likened it to a fairground ride. He noted that traditional royal carriage processions are typically public, while this private tour of Windsor Castle grounds was organized specifically for the American president’s entertainment.
Protests took place outside Windsor Castle during Trump’s visit, with groups like Everyone Hates Elon displaying large images of Trump with Jeffrey Epstein, and Led by Donkeys projecting similar visuals onto the castle walls. These demonstrations occurred as Trump received the ceremonial honors usually accorded to heads of state during official visits to the United Kingdom.
