Donald Trump's well-documented admiration for the late Queen Elizabeth II has been further highlighted by a royal biographer who revealed the advice the former US president sought regarding a commemorative portrait of the Queen.
Royal Biographer Shares Insights
Acclaimed royal biographer Robert Hardman, who has specialized in the British monarchy for three decades, recently shared fresh insights into Trump's fascination with the Queen. In his latest book, Elizabeth II: In Private. In Public. The Inside Story, Hardman details an interesting interaction he had with Trump.
During a conversation, Trump had just taken delivery of a copy of the last portrait Queen Elizabeth II sat for in her final year. Hardman recalled: "He had a copy of that and was wondering where to get it in his house. He asked my advice."
Trump specifically inquired about the portrait's placement, expressing a desire not to have the Queen in a room with anyone else. Hardman added: "If you go to the dining hall, there is only one portrait, and it is Elizabeth II."
Trump's Fascination with Royalty
Trump's love for the Royal Family has been traced back to his Scottish roots. David Charter, author of Royal Audience: 70 Years, 13 Presidents — One Queen's Special Relationship with America, previously told HELLO! magazine: "It goes right back to his really early days when his Scottish mother spent hours in front of the TV watching the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953."
Charter added: "It's a really strong childhood memory for Trump, and he remembers it well and how absolutely fascinated and enthralled his mother was with royalty, and some of that rubbed off on him. There's no question that he absolutely delights in royal company."
Upon meeting Queen Elizabeth II for the first time, Trump called her an "incredible lady." He said in an interview: "I feel I know her so well, and she certainly knows me very well right now."
Mixed Accounts from Insiders
However, some insiders have suggested the late monarch was not a huge fan of Trump. Author Craig Brown claims that the Queen told lunch guests she found the US president "very rude" after their first meeting in 2018.
Trump has, on numerous occasions, shared his love and admiration for the late Queen, revealing on his last state visit to the UK that he had "so much respect" for the long-reigning monarch.
