A bombshell new book has lifted the lid on a stunning diplomatic breach during Donald Trump's 2019 UK state visit, revealing the former US President bluntly refused to meet the then-Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle.
The revelation, detailed in an upcoming biography of the now King Charles by renowned author Catherine Pepinster, exposes the tense behind-the-scenes drama that unfolded during the Trumps' controversial trip.
The Royal Rejection That Rocked Diplomacy
According to the explosive account, palace officials had meticulously arranged for the Prince of Wales to greet the visiting US President at Windsor Castle. The plan was for Charles to meet Trump as he arrived via the iconic Marine One helicopter on the castle's verdant lawns.
However, in a move that sent shockwaves through royal and diplomatic circles, Trump delivered a crushing rejection. The billionaire-turned-politician allegedly declared he was "too tired" for the arranged meeting, leaving officials scrambling and causing significant diplomatic embarrassment.
Melania's Separate Agenda
Further complicating matters, then-First Lady Melania Trump had simultaneously arranged her own separate engagement. While the presidential itinerary was collapsing, Mrs. Trump was visiting the renowned Oxford University, creating a logistical nightmare for security and protocol teams.
The dual snub—both the President's refusal to meet the future monarch and the First Lady's conflicting schedule—represented an unprecedented breach of royal protocol and diplomatic etiquette.
Fallout and Implications
This remarkable incident, now coming to light years after the contentious state visit, sheds new light on the Trump administration's often turbulent relationship with the British establishment. The refusal to meet the heir to the throne was viewed in diplomatic circles as particularly egregious, given the special relationship between the UK and US.
The revelation comes from Catherine Pepinster's forthcoming biography, "Defender of the Realm: The Making of the King," which promises to deliver several previously unknown insights into Charles's relationships with world leaders during his time as Prince of Wales.
This extraordinary account of diplomatic discord is set to reignite discussions about the challenges of managing international relations with unconventional leaders and the delicate balance of royal protocol in modern diplomacy.
