A highly anticipated state dinner in the UK has turned into a storm of controversy after U.S. President Donald Trump made remarks about Princess of Wales Kate Middleton that many have called “wildly inappropriate.” The September 17 event, hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace, was meant to celebrate diplomatic ties, but Trump’s comments directed at Kate quickly overshadowed the evening. Social media users, royal watchers, and political commentators alike have since weighed in, sparking a wave of debate about whether the president once again crossed the line of royal protocol.
During his speech, Trump praised Prince William as a “remarkable son” and then turned to Kate with words that made the room shift uncomfortably. He described the Princess of Wales as “radiant, healthy, and beautiful,” remarks that struck many as deeply personal and tone-deaf given her very public health battle over the last year. Kate revealed in March 2024 that she had been diagnosed with cancer, and by January 2025 shared the encouraging news that she was in remission. While many celebrated her recovery, Trump’s phrasing was seen by critics as a clumsy reference that reduced the moment to an awkward spectacle.
Reactions online were swift and unforgiving. “He needs to quit talking about how beautiful the Princess of Wales is,” one commenter wrote. “It is wildly inappropriate.” Others noted the uncomfortable expressions of King Charles during the speech, with one viewer remarking, “Charles literally laughed at his remarks to Catherine.” Some observers also pointed out that Trump only spoke of one royal son—William—leaving many to speculate that it was a veiled jab at Prince Harry. The sense of awkwardness was summed up by another user who said they “cringed so hard” at Trump’s tone that it was difficult to watch.
This is not the first time Trump has been accused of breaking royal etiquette. On a previous state visit, he made headlines for walking directly in front of the late Queen Elizabeth II—something royal watchers flagged as a major breach of protocol. For many, his latest comments about Kate Middleton have only added to that list of missteps. As the president continues his UK visit, critics argue that these repeated moments undermine the solemnity of state occasions, while supporters insist that his off-the-cuff style is simply part of what makes him stand out.
