During the U.S. state visit to the U.K. on September 17, 2025, King Charles shared an unscripted and lighthearted moment with President Donald Trump while conducting a Guard of Honour inspection at Windsor Castle. As they walked past a row of soldiers in the Quadrangle, King Charles, 76, jokingly warned the U.S. president, 79, “Watch the sword!” when one of the guards made a sweeping movement with his blade. The playful exchange, captured on video by Sky News, showcased the ease between the British monarch and the U.S. president, who has long considered King Charles and Queen Camilla close friends.
President Trump, who had spoken fondly of the royal couple ahead of the state visit, had previously described King Charles as “such an elegant gentleman,” adding that it was an honor to have him as King. Trump, who is known for his admiration of the British royal family, acknowledged their long-standing friendship, which predates Charles’s ascension to the throne.
The moment was emblematic of the warmth and camaraderie between the two leaders. Earlier in the visit, as part of the customary gift exchange for diplomatic trips, the Trumps presented King Charles with a replica of a sword once owned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Buckingham Palace highlighted that the gift symbolized “profound respect” and served as a reminder of the critical partnership between the U.S. and Great Britain during World War II, as well as the continued strength of the special relationship between the two nations today.
The sword exchange was not the only sword-related moment in the visit’s early stages. In a somewhat humorous coincidence, back in 2020, an alleged anecdote about Princess Beatrice accidentally slashing Ed Sheeran’s face with a sword at a party made headlines. The claim, made by the music superstar’s manager, added an unexpected layer to the royal family’s history with swords.
The lighthearted interaction between King Charles and President Trump at Windsor Castle, combined with the symbolic gift exchange, further solidified the diplomatic ties between the U.K. and the U.S., marked by mutual respect and a touch of humor.
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