In an ever fractured world you would be hard pressed to find many feeling sorry for the royal family. But spare a thought for the King and his kin on this occasion.
This unprecedented state visit for US President Donald Trump and his cronies had all the hallmarks of a government in crisis. How far Britain’s star has fallen when forced to grovel for recognition of the so-called special relationship which hangs as fragile as Trump’s ego.
Yet, our dutiful royal family serves us well in such desperate times.
When we can wheel out the big guns, lay on the pomp and pageantry thicker than peanut butter jelly and serve up a glittering banquet in a castle older than the US of A, you’ve got half a chance.
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In the confines of Windsor Castle, unusually designed to be behind closed doors so Trump wouldn’t have to deal with the embarrassment of protestors lining the streets, the royals turned the charm up to 11.
Trump had labelled “Prince Charles” a dear friend before heading across the pond this week, failing to recall the three years that have passed since he became King.
A small detail when international relations as well as crippling tariffs are at stake! The Prince of Wales (another “friend”) and Princess (“so beautiful”) made their own sacrifice in firstly trudging over a soggy field to greet the Donald and his wife, before joining them on a carriage ride through the Windsor estate.
Trump became a living meme last year when showing off a specially made book of pictures of himself with members of the royal family. And to the Don, the author behind the Art of the Deal, presentation is everything.

The royals did their job, smiled and laughed at the right times and places and Trump got his photos and bragging rights having been the only US president to be offered such an honour of returning for a second “fest”, as he called it.
Whether Britain wins for all its fawning remains to be seen.
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