Reaching the venerable age of 96 brings with it a profound understanding of human nature. Consider if the late Queen had documented the numerous dignitaries she met during her historical reign. Such a log would be a treasure trove of insights.
As noted by Craig Brown in his recent book, *A Voyage Around The Queen*, she encountered nearly every significant figure over the past 70 years, including some controversial leaders. Nicolae Ceaușescu, Bashar al-Assad, Robert Mugabe, Idi Amin, Donald Trump, Emperor Hirohito, and Vladimir Putin were all hosted by Her late Majesty.
She once reportedly hid behind a bush to avoid Ceaușescu, and typically expressed her opinions of guests indirectly. For instance, Lord Blunkett recounted an incident during Vladimir Putin’s 2003 State visit. Putin arrived almost 15 minutes late, causing Blunkett’s guide dog, Sadie, to bark. Apologising to the Queen, she responded, ‘Dogs have interesting instincts, don’t they?’
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In A VOYAGE AROUND THE QUEEN, one of the funniest writers of our time, the Sunday Times bestselling Craig Brown turns his attention to Queen Elizabeth II in an unforgettable and fascinating biography.
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She often conveyed her feelings through subtle comments. One of her most memorable was ‘recollections may vary’, aimed at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex following their Oprah Winfrey interview in 2021.
It is notable that Elizabeth II, known for her discretion, criticised Donald Trump, then President of the United States, one of the UK’s closest allies. Craig Brown reported that the Queen described Trump as ‘very rude’ during a lunch post-visit, displeased by his constant glances over her shoulder.
She speculated Trump had an ‘arrangement’ with Melania, questioning why she stayed married to him.
Despite Trump believing he had made a favourable impression, he told Fox News, ‘There are those that say they have never seen the Queen have a better time.’
The Queen and Trump met in 2018 and 2019. The second meeting involved a State visit, including an informal encounter at Windsor Castle and a formal State banquet at Buckingham Palace.
At the banquet, they sat together at a grand table adorned with flowers and crystal, surrounded by equerries and ladies-in-waiting.
I witnessed this firsthand, seated near the bottom of the table next to Sir Simon Case, then heading Prince William’s private office, and near Tiffany Trump. It was a magnificent evening, my first glimpse into that world.
Due to Jeremy Corbyn declining his invitation, my then-husband Michael Gove, as Secretary of State for the Environment, and I attended.
The evening was unforgettable: the paintings, the Beefeaters, the music, the crisps at the reception, the array of cutlery and glasses, the Chateau Lafite.
Post-dinner, the highlight came when we were ushered into a side-room, where the royal family and Trump mingled informally.
Trump’s presence was overwhelming – his stature, chest puffed out, head tilted back, and unique diction created a mix of bravado, arrogance, and awkwardness.
Melania avoided the crowd around Trump, observing like a cat, her expression inscrutable.
I approached her and the American Ambassador’s wife. Up close, Melania appeared older but striking, with her mesmerising eyes and impeccable white dress.
We chatted briefly before she was escorted away, leaving me alone. Then I saw the Queen, a small, dazzling figure in white and diamonds, moving across the room.
She appeared displeased, snapping at a nearby flunky about an open door. Equerries and ladies-in-waiting quickly attended to her, signalling the end of the evening.
Was it Trump who had irked her? Or merely the open door? Recollections may vary, but it seems likely the door was not the real issue.
Other Perspective
- People magazine highlights Obama, Mandela, and Churchill seeing the Queen greet world leaders throughout her 65-year reign, emphasizing her enduring legacy and global impact.(read more)
- News18 reports that Queen Elizabeth II found Donald Trump “very rude” and suspected he had an arrangement with Melania, according to a new biography.(read more)
- Aseannow reports on Queen Elizabeth II’s unspoken thoughts on Donald Trump, revealed in a new biography that highlights her disdain for his behavior during visits, including speculations about his relationship with Melania Trump.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Did Queen Elizabeth II meet many significant figures during her reign?
Yes, she met many significant figures, including Nicolae Ceaușescu, Bashar al-Assad, and Donald Trump.
How did Queen Elizabeth II express her opinions about guests?
She expressed her opinions tangentially, often using carefully chosen phrases.
What did Queen Elizabeth II think of Donald Trump?
She described him as ‘very rude’ and disliked his habit of looking over her shoulder.
Did the Queen and Donald Trump meet often?
Yes, they met two years in a row, in 2018 and 2019.
How did the Queen react at the end of the evening described in the article?
She seemed extremely displeased and snapped at a flunky about a door being left open.