King Charles and Donald Trump’s relationship has reportedly changed over the years.
During a formal farewell at the White House earlier this year, Trump praised Charles as “the greatest King” and called him “fantastic.”
However, their first meeting in 2019 was said to be very different.
Journalist and author Susan Page wrote about the meeting in her new book, The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History.
According to Page, Trump complained to his aides that Charles, who was still a prince at the time, had bored him.
Trump later discussed the meeting with his former press secretary, Stephanie Grisham. He reportedly described the conversation as “terrible.”
“Nothing but climate change,” Trump complained while rolling his eyes.
Melania Trump laughed and agreed that her husband had been bored. However, Trump later said his opinion of Charles had changed.
Charles and Queen Camilla visited New York, Washington, D.C., and Virginia in April. The trip was described as an important diplomatic test for the King.
A palace source said the visit brought both risks and opportunities.
“What looked like risk and challenge was also a phenomenal opportunity,” the source said. “One that was grasped in both hands by the King, and we shall leave you to conclude what the outcome of that was.”
The source also said the King, Queen Camilla, Trump and his wife have a warm relationship.
“They get on very well,” the source said. “And it’s not just the King and the president. It’s all four of them with each other. The warmth that you see in public is absolutely the warmth you see in private.”
