FINE DINING
‘Dignified’ Donald Trump ‘relaxed’ in Queen’s company as pair’s ‘warm friendship’ shines over joke at state banquet, body language expert reveals
DONALD Trump appeared "dignified" and "relaxed" in the Queen's company this evening, as the pair's "friendship" shone over a joke, a body language expert has revealed.
The heads of state were pictured chuckling together ahead of their speeches to the 170 guests at the State Banquet in the US President's honour.
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Judi James told the Sun Online: "The mutual grinning and laughter between Trump and the Queen here shows the US President in a very new light, genuinely relaxing and having fun by leaning forward to mirror and create some empathetic-looking body language signals.
"The Queen’s wide smile and eye contact suggested some genuine warmth and hosting-style friendship although their body language became more serious and sombre when Trump made his speech.
"Standing for his anthem with his hand across his chest or telling of UK history before calling the Queen a ‘great, great woman’.
"She adopted a poker face but some rapid blinking suggested she doesn’t revel in compliments.
"While Melania watched her husband with a smile of pride Prince Charles stared down at his fingers for most of the speech, rubbing his nose furiously when the toast was announced in what looked like a self-comfort ritual."
Earlier in the evening, the pair stood with the First Lady to greet the guests - with the Queen looking confident and Mr Trump looking "serious", according to Ms James.
She said: "Trump was all about signified bearing, almost mirroring his wife’s signature upright posture with arms straight down at the sides as he stand on the opposite side of the Queen.
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US President Donald Trump addresses the Queen and guests at the State Banquet while paying tribute to the UK for its efforts during the Second World War
"The unique thing about the Queen’s body language is that she rarely mirrors and always does her own thing, even managing to look comfortable here, with her hands clutched confidently in front of her torso.
"In contrast Trump sports a very serious and sober-looking mouth clamp with piercing eye expression while Melania teams the same piercing look with a beautiful half-smile."
Trump tonight hailed the Queen as a "great, great woman" who inspired Britain to win WW2 as he attended the glitzy state banquet.
Her Majesty also formally welcomed Mr Trump to Britain during tonight's banquet and paid tribute to Britain's D-day heroes 75 years on.
The President flew from Winfield House, the US ambassador's official home in North London, to the state banquet this evening.
Guests dined on halibut followed by Windsor lamb and a pudding of strawberry sable - a menu specially selected by Her Majesty on the advice of her expert chefs.
The Queen sat at the head of the table with Mr Trump on her right and Prince Charles on her left.
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The President and his family were greeted with full pomp and ceremony earlier today when his helicopter landed on the lawn of the palace for the official start of his three-day tour.
As they shook hands, Ms James said: "There were undeniable signals of warmth between Trump and The Queen.
"She was even seen chuckling happily as she waited on the steps of the Palace watching the President taking his troop inspection very seriously, carefully stopping and chatting to guardsmen rather than rushing past as he did on his previous visit."
Prince Charles and Camilla greeted Mr Trump and his wife Melania at Buckingham Palace shortly after midday.
They then led the First Couple across the lawn of the palace garden to where the Queen was waiting for them.
A full military escort met the President on the Buckingham Palace lawn, before firing off 82 cannons - 41 in honour of Mr Trump, and another 41 to mark the anniversary of the Queen's coronation.
The two leaders then inspected a line-up of the Grenadier Guards as the band played The Star-Spangled Spanner and God Save The Queen.
The Queen hosted lunch for Mr Trump and wife Melania, then led them on a tour of Buckingham Palace - where the Queen presented them with carefully chosen gifts.
The First Couple moved on to Westminster Abbey later, to place a wreath at the grave of the Unknown Warrior.
On the first day of Mr Trump's visit to Britain:
- The President launched a furious rant at London Mayor Sadiq Khan - who hit back calling Mr Trump "far right"
- Mr Trump had a long chat with Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on the tarmac at Stansted, just days after he said he "liked" the Tory leadership hopeful
- It emerged the President WON'T have a one-on-one meeting with lame duck PM Theresa May
- Prince Harry joined the Royal party despite the war of words over Meghan's views on Mr Trump
- Jeremy Corbyn revealed he will speak at tomorrow's mass anti-Trump protest
- Mr Trump praised the 'fantastic' Queen after spending the afternoon with her and said he would talk about a trade deal once UK casts off EU 'shackles'
- The US President and his family arrived back at Buckingham Palace for the State Banquet
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