Status, Opulence, Diana – Donald Trump’s 70-Year Admiration for the UK Royals
As the coronation of the Queen was televised globally, a young boy watched intently to a black and white television at his home in New York City.
His mother, who was Scottish remained mesmerized facing the screen, not moving all day of that historic date.
The young viewer was Donald Trump.
In later years, during his career as a real estate mogul, he wrote about the effect his mother’s fascination with the royal family had on him within the pages of The Art of the Deal.
He gained his "sense of showmanship" thanks to her, noting she was "fascinated with the grandeur and ritual."
This lifelong admiration for pomp and ceremony – alongside his personal sense of display – is expected to be clearly visible when Trump journeys back to Windsor for his second state visit to the UK.
The invitation from the monarch was delivered in person by the British PM Keir Starmer at the White House, interpreted as a direct appeal to the President’s appreciation of pageantry.
Trump’s tour to the UK is history-making – he is the first and only commander-in-chief asked a pair of official visits.
Earlier, he encountered the late Queen Elizabeth II during an event at Windsor Castle, with his mother was top of his mind.
Trump’s former national security staffer, Fiona Hill, observed that he repeatedly discussed his mother’s high regard for the British crown.
Having an audience with the Queen during his presidency was a deep desire because it was the "supreme proof that he had made it."
Following the memorable meeting, he told Piers Morgan via the press: "While approaching, I thought aloud, ‘Just think my mother seeing this sight?’"
His fascination with the royal household was apparent since his younger days.
Wes Blackman who worked with Trump during the 1990s remembers the mogul trying to "generate interest" in Mar a Lago by suggesting Lady Di’s name as a potential member.
Trump was viewed at the time as an non-establishment figure, and the press quoted socialites who were unconvinced of the alleged royal interest.
"It seems like a strategic effort to boost prestige," a social figure was cited as saying.
A source with the marketing efforts shared that Trump offered the royal a free one-year membership, but was sent a polite decline.
Instead, it was suggested Trump might give to philanthropic causes.
The planner also remembers how Trump remained obsessed with the reply.
"Throughout, it’s been a major point for Donald Trump to be regarded as influential," he said.
Back in the eighties, the press claimed that the royal couple were looking at acquiring a multi-million-dollar condo in Trump Tower.
This story, many have said, was likely started by Trump himself.
A rejection was subsequently released by the palace, stating "no such interest existed."
A former representative for the Queen noted that Trump did not feature on the royals’ awareness at that time.
"Many have leveraging royal names forever," he said. "The mantra is never complain."
In his own words mentioned the incident in The Art of the Deal, stating he did not verify or rebut the rumour, but said it helped promote Trump Tower.
More than two decades later, he is said to have asked Prince Charles to his nuptials to Melania Knauss.
The reception was held in the private club, in a spacious ballroom inspired by Versailles' Hall of Mirrors.
Commentator Kristen Meinzer notes Trump has spent decades trying to style himself after the royals.
"Upon acquiring Mar a Lago, he effectively assumed the heraldic symbol of the previous owners," she said.
To Trump, the royal institution has a worldwide prestige that he desires.
"The royal family is the peak of elite circles that he’s always wanted to gain entry to," says analyst Peter Harris.
"The other half is he just wants tabloid media… it’s both these elements in one family."
When he travels there, he is aware he’ll get adulation, ideal snapshots, meet the King, and not a soul will say anything bad while with them.
A particular royal especially captured Trump’s interest.
Within another publication The Art of the Comeback that his only "disappointment in the women department" was that he missed the opportunity to pursue Lady Diana Spencer.
He said she "had a glow" and was "the ideal woman."
However, as reported by former BBC presenter Selina Scott, Trump attempted to date Princess Diana after her separation from Prince Charles.
Scott wrote, Diana told her that Trump gave her "uneasy," and became increasingly concerned as flowers kept arriving at her home.
Shortly after her death, in a Howard Stern show, Trump asserted that he could have slept with the late Princess.
Years after, he retracted any personal attraction, and only considered her to be "beautiful."
His comments on other women in the household have been negative.
Years ago, he blamed Kate, the now-Princess of Wales, for topless paparazzi shots taken while she was abroad.
Trump has also called Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, "unpleasant" and "unlikable," while she characterized him as "divisive" and "sexist."
Such comments will affect the {state visit|official trip|royal