The $30 million banquet at Windsor Castle

King Charles hosted Donald Trump at Windsor Castle in September, amidst growing concerns over the US president's public attack on Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.. According to palace insiders, the monarch was 'jittery' about gladhanding the erratic president due to his open hostility towards Zelensky, with whom the King has built up a strong rapport.

The historic second official visit to Britain included a banquet at Windsor Castle alongside the monarch and Queen Camilla, with the full pomp and ceremony of royal events. While it publicly appeared to go off without a hitch, Charles is said to have asked beforehand whether it should go ahead.

An echo of Sydney's 2024 institutional buy-up

The King's concerns over hosting Trump are reminiscent of the 2024 institutional buy-up in Sydney, where the city's institutions faced a similar backlash over their ties to the US president.. In that instance, the city's institutions were accused of not showing enough respect to Zelensky, who had clashed with Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a visit to the White House in February last year.

The incident sparked widespread condemnation from world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, who had himself been in the Oval Office to officially invite Trump to Britain for a second state visit.. At the time, the PM rebuffed calls for the invitation to be revoked, saying it was a matter for the King.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

The palace has declined to comment on the claims, but sources close to the matter have revealed that the King's concerns over hosting Trump were not just limited to the US president's public attack on Zelensky. According to the sources, the monarch was also worried about the potential backlash from the Ukrainian leader and his allies, who had been vocal in their criticism of Trump's behavior.

The King himself met Zelensky in London in what was seen as a show of support days after the Trump incident, and they were pictured smiling as they shook hands and posed for pictures.. However, alliies of the US President made it clear to UK officials in America that the pictures made him feel 'less special' about the monarch's invitation for a state visit to Britain.

What auditors flagged in the May filing

The claims have raised questions about the palace's handling of the situation, with some auditors flagging concerns in the May filing over the potential risks of hosting Trump. According to the filing, the palace had been warned about the potential backlash from Zelensky and his allies, but had chosen to proceed with the visit anyway.

The incident has sparked a wider debate about the role of the monarchy in international affairs, with some arguing that the palace should be more cautious in its dealings with foreign leaders. Others have defended the palace's decision to host Trump, citing the importance of maintaining good relations with the US.