On Wednesday evening, a banquet at Windsor Castle featured a guest list primarily comprising business leaders and political figures, celebrating US President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK. The event included 160 attendees, all carefully arranged to facilitate diplomatic conversations alongside fine dining.
Unlike past gatherings that often included celebrities, this banquet focused on influential royals, tech executives, and politicians. Trump was seated at the center next to King Charles III, flanked by several notable guests from the realms of business and politics, such as Tim Cook from Apple and Stephen Schwarzman from Blackstone.
Murdoch, despite ongoing legal disputes with the president, attended and sat beside Morgan McSweeney, a political advisor for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Together, the business leaders represent companies valued at nearly $10 trillion, significantly impacting the UK’s economy.
The state banquet is projected to yield a £150 billion investment in the UK, with about £90 billion coming from Blackstone. The government has clarified that this venture should not be construed as a trade-off for changes in tax policies or online safety regulations, but rather as part of a vital bilateral relationship.
Trump’s entourage consisted of close family members and senior officials from his administration. Key figures included Melania Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both strategically positioned near King Charles. Tiffany Trump was also present, highlighting a shift in the family’s involvement since previous visits.
Among the royals, King Charles and other senior family members engaged with their counterparts from the US, sitting beside influential representatives from Trump’s team. This assembly underscored the intricate ties linking the UK and US amid discussions about future collaboration and investment.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp98031vyjko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss