A recent biography of the late Queen Elizabeth II contradicts former President Donald Trump’s claims of a warm rapport with the monarch. The book suggests that the queen found Trump to be a “very rude” guest during his state visits to the United Kingdom in 2018 and 2019.
The biography, titled “A Voyage Around the Queen,” is authored by British journalist Craig Brown. In it, Brown alleges that Queen Elizabeth described Trump’s behavior as troubling to a lunch guest just weeks after his initial visit to the UK. Brown writes that Trump’s tendency to look over the queen’s shoulder during discussions, as if seeking someone more captivating, was particularly annoying to the monarch.
Trump’s 2018 visit to Windsor Castle was controversial, as he left the queen waiting and walked ahead of her, both actions being breaches of royal protocol. According to Brown, this disregard for tradition and etiquette did not sit well with Queen Elizabeth. However, Buckingham Palace has not issued a public response to these claims, maintaining the royal family’s typical silence on such matters.
According to Brown, Queen Elizabeth also speculated about the nature of Trump’s marriage to Melania Trump. She reportedly expressed bewilderment to a guest as to why Melania would stay married to Trump, suggesting there must be some sort of agreement between them. This anecdote provides a rare insight into the queen’s private opinions, which she usually kept to herself.
Trump has categorically denied the allegations made in Brown’s book. Following his 2019 state visit, he recollected his time with the queen as filled with laughter. He even stated that her staff commented on how the queen hadn’t enjoyed herself so much in 25 years.
Describing their exchanges as extraordinary, Trump asserted that he and the queen shared an immediate connection. He further claimed that she was more vibrant in his presence than with other world leaders.
Despite Trump’s positive recounting of his encounters with Queen Elizabeth, Brown’s biography suggests the queen held a less favorable impression of Trump. The book depicts her as a polite host who privately expressed her disapproval of certain international leaders during her reign, including Trump.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, a former official from Buckingham Palace told the New York Post that the queen perceived Trump and his family as “gracious” guests. The source refuted Brown’s claims, stating that the queen prioritized her guests’ comfort over strict adherence to protocol.
Following Queen Elizabeth’s passing in 2022, Trump paid tribute to her, remembering her as an exceptional woman. Trump stated that he and Melania would always cherish their time with the queen and remember her warm friendship, wisdom, and unique sense of humor.
The true nature of Queen Elizabeth’s private thoughts concerning Trump may remain unknown. However, Brown’s biography provides a rare peek into the mind of the notoriously reserved monarch. The conflicting narratives highlight the enigma that was Queen Elizabeth, known for her discretion and neutrality during her lengthy reign.