State Visit from the President of the United States: June 3-5, 2019

[wartenberg7]

Harry went on a trip to the continent shortly after his son was born. I am pretty sure he could spare a few hours to have dinner with the President of the United States.

Maternity leave might be an excuse for Meghan, but not for Harry. Attending the lunch (or meeting the guest during the day), but missing the state dinner is similar to what his father did to the president of China and suggests to me either a personal or a political statement.

You bet Harry didn´t want to be there tonight! And honestly I don´t think it is absolutely necessary for the number 6 (!!!) in line to the throne to join an event he is not fond of.
I agree that if he was in Charles´or Williams´position, he should have skipped his personal animosities - but with enough other high ranking Royals around, he should be free to stay at home. That´s at least an honest thing to do! For all the other members of the RF, I don´t envy them!

 

[Osipi]

As far as I can recall, the Queen normally didn't do the review of troops herself even she was younger. It used to be Prince Philip's job and, now, apparently it is up to the PoW to do it.

I just remembered the last time President Trump was in the UK and met with the Queen at Windsor Castle. The Queen and President Trump both inspected the Coldstream Guards. It seems the Queen had to tutor President Trump on just how to do it too.

 

[Osipi]

You bet Harry didn´t want to be there tonight! And honestly I don´t think it is absolutely necessary for the number 6 (!!!) in line to the throne to join an event he is not fond of.
I agree that if he was in Charles´or Williams´position, he should have skipped his personal animosities - but with enough other high ranking Royals around, he should be free to stay at home. That´s at least an honest thing to do! For all the other members of the RF, I don´t envy them!

Maybe, just maybe, Harry wasn't invited to the state banquet because it would throw off the numbers in the boy/girl ratio. Then again, from what I've read, there's always some senior staff or advisors dressed and ready to be seated for dinner should those numbers have to match up.

Truth be told, we have no clue really just why Harry isn't attending the state banquet. The person to ask for a definitive answer to this would be the Queen, herself. She knows.

 

[loonytick]

^ But the Obama kids were fine tho' ?

I distinctly recall them being [fawningly] referred to as 'the first family'...

Fawning? That’s been the standard way to refer to the President’s household for as long as I can remember.

Obama’s kids were still minor children. In other words, they were of an age where it is standard to live at home and, at times, travel with their parents. I don’t think anyone is that surprised to see actual children with their parents from time to time on these trips. Baron Trump coming along, for example, would be within the norm.

It’s different once they are adults.

Trump’s is an unusual situation given that most of his adult children essentially work for him as advisors, even if they aren’t all on the White House payroll. We’re getting used to seeing them in places you wouldn’t usually expect an adult child of a president to be. Tiffany, however, does not, so having her along is especially odd.

 

[jacqui24]

You bet Harry didn´t want to be there tonight! And honestly I don´t think it is absolutely necessary for the number 6 (!!!) in line to the throne to join an event he is not fond of.
I agree that if he was in Charles´or Williams´position, he should have skipped his personal animosities - but with enough other high ranking Royals around, he should be free to stay at home. That´s at least an honest thing to do! For all the other members of the RF, I don´t envy them!

Whatever his personal feelings are about Trump, Harry does his duty. If he couldn't stand the man, I would think the State Dinner is easier than the private lunch since it's a much larger group. It seems that, with the exception of PoW and DoC, members of royal family are being stacked a bit for this visit.

 

[Mbruno]

Whatever his personal feelings are about Trump, Harry does his duty. If he couldn't stand the man, I would think the State Dinner is easier than the private lunch since it's a much larger group. It seems that, with the exception of PoW and DoC, members of royal family are being stacked a bit for this visit.

That is actually a fair point. If Harry attended the dinner, his interaction with Trump probably wouldn't go much further than shaking hands and quick small talk before the entry procession. At a private lunch, they are likely to interact much more.



But, again, that is the same situation as Charles's one on one meeting with Xi Jinping, where they could talk extensively in private, but Charles was still criticized for snubbing the Chinese president when he missed the state dinner (with no paternity leave excuse in that case !).

 

[O-H Anglophile]

Fawning? That’s been the standard way to refer to the President’s household for as long as I can remember.

Obama’s kids were still minor children. In other words, they were of an age where it is standard to live at home and, at times, travel with their parents. I don’t think anyone is that surprised to see actual children with their parents from time to time on these trips. Baron Trump coming along, for example, would be within the norm.

It’s different once they are adults.

Trump’s is an unusual situation given that most of his adult children essentially work for him as advisors, even if they aren’t all on the White House payroll. We’re getting used to seeing them in places you wouldn’t usually expect an adult child of a president to be. Tiffany, however, does not, so having her along is especially odd.

Theoretically, Don Jr and Eric run the Trump family businesses, so they have no government advisory positions. And if they did, it would be a conflict of interest.

 

[loonytick]

Whatever his personal feelings are about Trump, Harry does his duty. If he couldn't stand the man, I would think the State Dinner is easier than the private lunch since it's a much larger group. It seems that, with the exception of PoW and DoC, members of royal family are being stacked a bit for this visit.

Yes, and as far as I can tell, only once in the past has his duty been defined to include attendance at state dinners. There are older members of the BRF (Kent, Gloucester, Wessex, Alexandra) who are regularly called upon to be at them. I haven’t checked, but I’d be willing to bet the one time he went it was essentially to sub in for one of them. And I doubt he and Meghan will show up with any frequency at state dinners until another of those couples is ready to slow down and stop fussing with fancy attire so often.

Theoretically, Don Jr and Eric run the Trump family businesses, so they have no government advisory positions. And if they did, it would be a conflict of interest.

Yes. Theoretically. Never mind that we see them all the time at things that are more about their father’s presidency than the family businesses...like this state visit.

We are living in strange times.

 

[CTchic]

There is no need for them to take part in welcoming a foreign head of state when the Queen, her heir and his spouse are around!
I guess they haven´t been invited by HM to be there, only to be present tonight.

Harry was accused of putting his personal feelings at the forefront instead of his duty by not attending the banquet but he was at the lunch by another poster. I think that is unfair.

 

[sndral]

Well, I am looking forward to the state dinner & tiara spotting.
Also wondering who will attend - Anne? Andrew? Edward & Sophie?
From the Trumps will Donald Jr. (age 41,) Ivanka (age 37) & Jared, Eric (age 35,) Tiffany (age 25) attend?
I am confused by the presence of all of the adult Trump offspring in England. I listed their ages because I cannot recall any other U.S. president hauling along all of his adult progeny to such a visit & wonder why they are even there.
It’s certainly convenient that Prince Andrew knows Trump and shares a passion for golf with him.

 

[jacqui24]

Yes, and as far as I can tell, only once in the past has his duty been defined to include attendance at state dinners. There are older members of the BRF (Kent, Gloucester, Wessex, Alexandra) who are regularly called upon to be at them. I haven’t checked, but I’d be willing to bet the one time he went it was essentially to sub in for one of them. And I doubt he and Meghan will show up with any frequency at state dinners until another of those couples is ready to slow down and stop fussing with fancy attire so often.

I doubt it was just to sub for one of those couples. And no one needs to retire for the Sussexes to start participating. But I assume the Queen has her own reason not to include them this time. Maybe since Meghan won't be there anyways? We'll never know for sure.

 

[Rudolph]

Here's a breakdown of some of the people travelling with the president

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7099047/Who-Donald-Trumps-entourage-Buckingham-Palace.html

 

[alvinking]

Yes, and as far as I can tell, only once in the past has his duty been defined to include attendance at state dinners. There are older members of the BRF (Kent, Gloucester, Wessex, Alexandra) who are regularly called upon to be at them. I haven’t checked, but I’d be willing to bet the one time he went it was essentially to sub in for one of them. And I doubt he and Meghan will show up with any frequency at state dinners until another of those couples is ready to slow down and stop fussing with fancy attire so often.

I doubt this assertion holds water. Indeed He attended the Spanish State visit. Why Only the Queen knows but hardly as a sub. Why because during this visit he, Princess Anne, and Prince Andrew were recognized by the King Felipe with appointment to the Order of Isabel the Catholic – a Spanish Civil Order in which membership is granted in recognition of services that benefit the country. Although usually awarded to Spanish nationals, recipients occasionally come from other countries too, as is the case with the British Royal Family. Prince Harry has been appointed to the Order for his role during the Spanish State Visit. He had among other things accompanied The King and Queen to Westminster Abbey. This is hardly a recognition given to a mere sub. I remember back then, the usual suspects here clutched their pearls and were upset because the Cambridges were not recognized too. Why Harry a minor royal and not them. you've got the put respect on his name, a sub

 

[Mbruno]

I doubt this assertion holds water. Indeed He attended the Spanish State visit. Why Only the Queen knows but hardly as a sub. Why because during this visit he, Princess Anne, and Prince Andrew were recognized by the King Felipe with appointment to the Order of Isabel the Catholic – a Spanish Civil Order in which membership is granted in recognition of services that benefit the country. Although usually awarded to Spanish nationals, recipients occasionally come from other countries too, as is the case with the British Royal Family. Prince Harry has been appointed to the Order for his role during the Spanish State Visit. He had among other things accompanied The King and Queen to Westminster Abbey. This is hardly a recognition given to a mere sub. I remember back then, the usual suspects here clutched their pearls and were upset because the Cambridges were not recognized too. Why Harry a minor royal and not them. you've got the put respect on his name, a sub

Anne, Andrew and Harry were decorated by the King of Spain because they accompanied the King in official events during the state visit. The Cambridges did not and just attended the state banquet.

Still it was an awkward decision. Furthermore, King Felipe VI appointed them to the rank only of commander in the Order of Isabel The Catholic and not to the Grand Cross as he normally does with visiting Latin American presidents for example.

Prince Philip and Prince Charles already have the grand cross of the higher Order of Carlos III and Queen Elizabeth II , in addition to the Order of Carlos III also has the collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece, which is the highest honor bestowed by a Spanish monarch.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

Is there precedent for this from ANY of the recent US presidents who have had adult children during their time in office?

Nixon?
Ford?
Carter?
Reagan?
Bush I or Ii?

I honestly do not understand why he feels the entire Trump kit and caboodle should be included?

You can ask the same about the BRF, to be fair. Even cousins, nephews, nieces, grandchildren attending events of state.

 

[Lumutqueen]

For a Nano-second on seeing the First Lady it was as if the late Princess of Wales were there.. her clothes/hat being very much the sort of thing the late Princess wore...

Very chic indeed..

You weren't the only one;
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/...rans-military-themed-650-Burberry-blouse.html

You can ask the same about the BRF, to be fair. Even cousins, nephews, nieces, grandchildren attending events of state.

Please elaborate on which family members have attended parts of a state visit, not representing The Queen or the State Banquet?

 

[Ista]

You can ask the same about the BRF, to be fair. Even cousins, nephews, nieces, grandchildren attending events of state.

No, it is absolutely not the same thing, royal family members are born into the job, and can be called on by the monarch if their presence is deemed necessary. Relatives of an elected official are not born into the job. As far as I can recall, no other U.S. president has included adult children in a state visit, and I hope it doesn't become a thing.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

No, it is absolutely not the same thing, royal family members are born into the job, and can be called on by the monarch if their presence is deemed necessary. Relatives of an elected official are not born into the job. As far as I can recall, no other U.S. president has included adult children in a state visit, and I hope it doesn't become a thing.

For me it is the same thing. The only difference between a president and a monarch is that the first one is elected. For the rest both are a head of state. That a Princess Michael, a Princess Alexandra or a Prince Edward sits there, nice. Their seats could have been used by meritorious citizens but now someone who happens to be the wife to a cousin of the Queen sits there, for no any other reason than that she is married to a cousin of the Queen indeed and usually will have little to zero to do with the country or the president visiting. In that aspect I can not blame the Trumps.

 

[An Ard Ri]

The Queen shows the US President and 1st Lady US artifacts from the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace.

The Duke of York escorts the US President and 1st Lady on the visit to Westminster Abbey

 

[Mbruno]

The Queen shows the US President and 1st Lady US artifacts from the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace.

The Duke of York escorts the US President and 1st Lady on the visit to Westminster Abbey

.

Whenever I see those pictures, I can’t help thinking that most people today ignore that, up to the late 19th century. or maybe up to as late as World War I .diplomatic relations between the British Empire and the United States were actually rather tense if not acrimonious at times.

Likewise, I always find it odd when I see British Royal guards playing The Star Spangled Banner , whose lyrics are inspired by an episode from the War of 1812 between the United States and the British Empire ( including Canada) .

 

[Rudolph]

Lovely pictures and video. The Queen and The President are all smiles and I believe Trump genuinely admires HM.

The President's mother was a monarchist.

 

[O-H Anglophile]

For me it is the same thing. The only difference between a president and a monarch is that the first one is elected. For the rest both are a head of state. That a Princess Michael, a Princess Alexandra or a Prince Edward sits there, nice. Their seats could have been used by meritorious citizens but now someone who happens to be the wife to a cousin of the Queen sits there, for no any other reason than that she is married to a cousin of the Queen indeed and usually will have little to zero to do with the country or the president visiting. In that aspect I can not blame the Trumps.

There is a difference between Eric Trump attending a State Dinner IN THE US as a guest of his father to being added onto the guest list in another country.

What the Trumps are doing would be the same as if the Queen brought along all four of her children & their spouses to the US on a State visit. Charles as the direct heir, maybe okay but not the rest.

 

[TortillaChips]

Apologies if this has already been answered but could someone please let me know what the 'armoured truck' is for?

The one that looks like a security money truck

You can see it in this Twitter video if anyone is wondering what I'm rambling on about lol

 

[CTchic]

Lovely pictures and video. The Queen and The President are all smiles and I believe Trump genuinely admires HM.

The President's mother was a monarchist.

Well yeah he wants to be king and not be held to account for anything by anyone which is he admires autocrats.

 

[Rudolph]

The President and First Lady at Clarence House for tea with Charles and Camilla

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7099553/Trump-Melania-meet-Queen-Buckingham-Palace.html

 

[Lumutqueen]

I'm actually quite surprised that Melania hasn't changed.

 

[Curbside]

He also gave an interview saying that he’d be a Princess than she is and that her waving is “disgrace.” The man is nuts, but the State Visit will be over before you blink an eye.

https://www.newyorker.com/humor/bor...ld-be-much-better-princess-than-meghan-markle

This is satire. ?

 

[lucien]

Apologies if this has already been answered but could someone please let me know what the 'armoured truck' is for?

The one that looks like a security money truck

You can see it in this Twitter video if anyone is wondering what I'm rambling on about lol

No you're right.It has to do with security,they always take a caravan load of trucks on cargo aircraft,this is just another over the top one for telecomunications and frequency jammers....Showing off they are important...nada mas..

This is satire. ?

LOL....DT would be a much better Princess...I always visualize odd moments,....
and it's hilarious seeing him all dressed up quarreling with Melania what colour
dress suite orange hairdo's best...and oh...a corset,he would definitely need a
corset....to keep his chin in place that is..

Must be satire...We would all be out of our wits if it lasted longer,
dear Lillybeth would have a fit....of laughter...

Ok...the state banquet will be in 2 1/2 hours or so in the continuing story of
orange Donny at the palace wishing he was a princess.....

 

[wartenberg7]

For me it is the same thing. The only difference between a president and a monarch is that the first one is elected. For the rest both are a head of state. That a Princess Michael, a Princess Alexandra or a Prince Edward sits there, nice. Their seats could have been used by meritorious citizens but now someone who happens to be the wife to a cousin of the Queen sits there, for no any other reason than that she is married to a cousin of the Queen indeed and usually will have little to zero to do with the country or the president visiting. In that aspect I can not blame the Trumps.

You always manage to astonish me....
Being a "royal watcher" for many years and you don´t get the difference between a monarchial and a republican system..?!

All right, I explain it once more to you: A "Royal Family" is a group of noble people related to each other working together like a "firm" to represent their country, based on a hereditary system.
In a republic ONE person is elected for a limited time either only to represent or to represent and to govern. Other than in a monarchy his/ her office has nothing to do or affects his/ her family members, except the spouse or her stand-in in case of widowhood or divorce (apart from being, more or less, "public figures"). Get the picture?

 

[sophie25]

I still have great sympathy and admiration for the Pr o Wales that he stood to his convictions when it comes to China, which are not only his own, but which are shared by millions around the globe. If people like these, standing on the world stage in the public limelight, do never stand up for causes like the environment, sexism, equality, animal rights etc etc how can things ever change for the better?!
I have no respect anymore for those who just nod their head, keep smiling while hiding their true feelings only to be polite even to tyrants.

I think Charles did what he could do. He didn´t say anything "nasty" but made a point by staying away. And obviously with the full support and understanding of his mother who is unable to act like this.

Pr. Harry is married to a women´s rights activist - yes, now a royal Duchess, but she might still be passionate about her causes, just the way her husband is passionate about certain issues! It is only right and proper for him not to attend a dinner in honour for a man who regards women as "pussys".

The mood of the vast majority of the british people concerning this controversial visit should, at least to a certain extend, well and truely be reflected also by members of the RF. Otherwise everything about this visit would dilapidate to complete insignificance and emptyness...

No one can say what the majority of people in the UK think of Trump as there's never been a poll taken. You certainly won't see many people who like him reflected in the news programs though and those people tend to be very quiet, they don't tend to take to the streets in great numbers shouting their approval of him.