Donald Trump’s speech at the recent state banquet drew attention for what he did not say as much as for what he did.
While the former U.S. president offered warm praise for Prince William and Princess Kate, calling William someone with “a wonderful future” and describing Kate as “wonderful” and “healthy,” he noticeably left out any mention of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Royal commentator Ian Pelham Turner called this omission a “deliberate snub” and suggested it might have left King Charles “not amused,” especially since Charles was seated right beside Trump during the speech. Pelham Turner added that Trump “went off message” at times by including political commentary, but the bigger surprise was what seemed like an intentional decision to ignore the Sussexes.
The moment comes just weeks after King Charles and Prince Harry shared a private tea at Clarence House, their first meeting in more than a year, as they take small but hopeful steps toward reconciliation.
Though Trump has criticized Harry and Meghan in the past, there is no indication his comments will affect the King’s efforts to rebuild ties with his younger son. Still, the silence at such a high-profile event ensured that the absence of Harry’s name spoke almost as loudly as the compliments Trump offered to the rest of the family.
