Queen Elizabeth reportedly described Donald Trump as “very rude” during a private lunch shortly after one of his visits to the UK, as detailed in a 2024 biography called A Voyage Around the Queen by author Craig Brown. The Queen allegedly expressed her displeasure at Trump’s behavior, particularly his habit of constantly looking around as if seeking someone more interesting.
The biography also mentions the Queen’s comments on Trump’s marriage, suggesting she believed there might be some arrangement between him and his wife Melania for their relationship to endure. Brown highlighted the Queen’s experience with controversial foreign leaders, including Trump, emphasizing that she may not have always enjoyed their company.
Trump’s interactions with the Queen during his visits were scrutinized, with instances of him reportedly walking ahead of her during official events and making gestures that breached royal protocol. Despite the controversies, Buckingham Palace has not officially responded to the claims in Brown’s book, maintaining that Trump was a respectful guest during his visits.
Since King Charles assumed the throne, relations between Trump and the Royal Family seem to have remained positive. During a US state visit in September 2025, King Charles praised Trump’s efforts in resolving global conflicts, while Trump lauded the strong US-UK relationship. Trump has also expressed admiration for the late Queen Elizabeth following her passing.
Overall, despite past tensions and protocol breaches, the interactions between Trump and the Royal Family under King Charles’ reign appear to be marked by cordiality and mutual respect.