Prestige, Opulence, Diana – Trump’s 70-Year Fascination for the British Monarchy

Historical royal imagery

As the crowning ceremony of the Queen was televised around the world, a six-year-old boy was glued to a old-fashioned television in New York City.

His Scottish mother sat enthralled facing the screen, not moving the entire day of 2 June 1953.

That boy would grow up to be Donald Trump.

In later years, as a real estate tycoon, he wrote about the impact his mother’s fascination with the British royals had on him through The Art of the Deal.

He credited his "love of spectacle" to her influence, writing she was "enthralled by the ceremony and tradition."

This lifelong admiration for formal spectacle – coupled with his sense of theatricality – will be clearly visible when Trump journeys back to Windsor during his return official trip to the UK.

The formal request from the King was hand-delivered by the UK’s leader Keir Starmer in the Oval Office, viewed as a clear gesture to Trump’s love of ceremony.

Meeting in the Oval Office
Prime Minister offered Donald Trump an invitation by the King

Trump’s visit to the UK stands as unprecedented – he is the only president invited a second royal welcome.

The year before, he met the deceased Queen Elizabeth II during an event at Windsor Castle, while reflecting on his mother was foremost in his thoughts.

An ex- national security aide, Fiona Hill, wrote that he repeatedly discussed his mother’s admiration for the British crown.

Having an audience with the Queen in his first term was a major goal as it represented the "supreme proof that he had made it."

Trump’s mother in historical photo
Trump’s mother alongside baby Maryanne decades ago

In the wake of the royal audience, he stated to Piers Morgan in an interview: "I was walking, I was saying, ‘Can you imagine my mother seeing this sight?’"

The attraction for the royals was evident from the beginning.

An urban planner who advised Trump during the 1990s recalls the real estate developer seeking to "gin up interest" in his Florida property by rolling out Diana’s name as a prospective member.

Trump was regarded at the time as an outsider, and the press quoted socialites who were sceptical of the alleged royal interest.

"This appears to be a strategic effort to attract members a social figure was reported as saying.

Someone familiar with the marketing efforts stated that Trump proposed the then-Prince a no-cost membership, but got back a gracious refusal.

In its place, he was encouraged he consider give to philanthropic causes.

Mr Blackman noted too how Trump remained obsessed with the letter.

"Throughout, it’s been a major point for Donald Trump to be viewed as successful," he said.

Trump at Windsor Castle
Donald Trump toured Windsor Castle during a 2018 visit

In the ’80s, tabloids stated that Charles and Diana were considering purchasing a multi-million-dollar condo in Trump Tower.

The speculation, observers noted, was probably originated with Trump himself.

An official rebuttal was subsequently released by the royal household, stating "it was false."

An ex-royal aide for the Queen noted that Trump was not part of the royals’ radar at that time.

"Individuals often doing it forever," he said. "The mantra is never complain."

In his own words wrote about the situation in The Art of the Deal, stating he chose not to confirm or deny the rumour, but said it helped promote Trump Tower.

Later on, he allegedly asked Prince Charles to his wedding to Melania Knauss.

The celebration was held in the private club, in a spacious ballroom inspired by Versailles' Hall of Mirrors.

Royal watcher Kristen Meinzer observes Trump has spent decades trying to model himself after the royals.

"After purchasing Mar a Lago, he practically assumed the coat of arms of the former proprietors," she said.

Trump and Charles at an event
Donald Trump with Melania chatting with the King, then known as Prince Charles, in a 2005 reception

To Trump, the UK monarchy has a international standing that he craves.

"They’re this apex of elite circles that he’s long sought to gain entry to," says expert Peter Harris.

"Additionally is he just wants press attention… it combines these elements in one family."

He can go there, he expects he’ll get attention, media moments, shake hands with the King, and no one will say anything bad while with them.

A particular royal notably captured Trump’s interest.

He wrote in The Art of the Comeback that his only "regret in the dating scene" was that he missed the chance to pursue Diana.

He said she "had a glow" and was "the ideal woman."

But, per former BBC presenter Selina Scott, Trump did try to date Princess Diana after her separation from Prince Charles.

She reported, Diana shared that Trump made her feel "the creeps," and grew worried as orchids were sent repeatedly at her residence.

After her passing, in a Howard Stern show, Trump stated that he may have been with the deceased Princess.

But in 2016, he retracted any advances, and only considered her to be "beautiful."

Royal figures imagery

Statements on other women in the household have been more critical.

Back in 2012, he faulted Kate, the now-Princess of Wales, for unauthorized images taken while she was on vacation.

Trump has also called Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, "awful" and "mean," while she characterized him as "polarizing" and "sexist."

None of that will colour the {state visit|official trip|royal

Heather Allen
Heather Allen

Tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger passionate about sharing knowledge and inspiring others through writing.