I was in the room with Trump and King Charles - here's how the US President really behaved

It was a charm offensive of epic proportions for the historic state visit of a controversial US President that our Government is so desperate to impress. Tariffs, investment and a morale boost for Starmer's beleaguered leadership is what the Prime Minister desperately seeks - and what better way to do than roll out the royal red carpet for a monarchy-obsessed leader who is enthralled by pomp and pageantry.

Every part of Trump's state visit was meticulously planned with the main objective of wooing of the President. And the Palace certainly got the memo.From an 'extra-large' Guard of Honour to a special flypast from the Red Arrows, the royal family succeeded once again in displaying their famous soft power.

With Trump grinning from ear to ear throughout every aspect of his unprecedented second state visit, it was clear that Starmer's decision to invite the US President for the historic trip was a diplomatic masterstroke.

The President appeared enthralled by the mighty ceremony on display at "the ultimate" (as he described it earlier in the week) Windsor Castle.

He and the King seemed to get along easily. Conversation flowed, jokes were exchanged, and the ever-unpredictable Trump remained polite and respectful throughout.

Even his speech at the state banquet was courteous, as the 160 guests waited on tenterhooks to see if the President would drop any of his typical controversial remarks.

While he briefly jibed at his predecessor, President Biden, his speech was reverential and lauded the Royal Family and "the lionhearted people of this Kingdom."

"He's a great gentleman and a great King," the President said as he parted ways with the monarch yesterday morning.

Meanwhile, the Queen and First Lady chatted like old friends as they toured the Royal Library, both clearly captivated by the wonders that reading offers.

Their close bond was also caught on camera yesterday, with the pair looking at ease in each other's company.

A royal source hailed Trump's second state visit as a success, saying the president and First Lady showed how much they appreciated the "awesome spectacle".

Mr and Mrs Trump had been "very easy to deal with" throughout their stay at Windsor and "very appreciative of the hospitality," the source added.

"All elements of the pomp and pageantry created an awesome spectacle," the source said. "You can tell from the expression of the principals how much they appreciated it."

These two days have been all about the optics, and as far as the Palace is concerned, it went off without a hitch as the top four went above and beyond to give a very British welcome.

It's a job well done for a state visit to Trump all state visits.