While President Trump’s state visit to the United Kingdom last week was unprecedented in many ways, the exchanging of gifts is a key diplomatic tradition, and this trip was no exception. King Charles and Queen Camilla presented the first couple with a number of poignant items as tokens of the longstanding “special relationship” between the U.S. and the UK.
To the president, Their Majesties gave a “bespoke hand bound leather volume specially crafted by the Royal Bindery in Windsor Castle, to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,” as well as the flag that flew over Buckingham Palace on the day of President Trump’s inauguration. From the royals, Melanie received a silver and enamel bowl crafted by the Northern Irish artist Cara Murphy and a personalized handbag by British designer Anya Hindmarch. The King and Queen also gifted the Trumps a silver frame engraved with Their Majesties’ joint cypher.
King Charles and President Donald Trump with Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump at the state banquet at Windsor Castle.
In return the President and First Lady gave the King a replica of a President Eisenhower sword. Per Buckingham Palace, the piece “symbolizes profound respect and is a reminder of the historical partnership that was critical to winning World War II” as well as “the enduring values and cooperative spirit that continues to define the relationship between the United States and Great Britain.”
Camilla’s gift from the Trumps, a vintage Tiffany brooch, was also one rich in significance. Tiffany in a heritage American brand and according to the Palace, “by showcasing an American company, this gift honours the idea of diplomacy; conveying messages of friendship, respect, and a commemoration of this historic visit.” The jewel also incorporates rubies (the Queen’s birthstone) and diamonds (the First Lady’s).
Additionally, Town & Country understands the Trumps brought a gift for the Princess of Wales. Per Tiffany and Co., the first couple gave Kate a vintage Elsa Peretti sterling zodiac cuff, a signature style of the iconic jewelry designer.
Kate has long worn Tiffany, even before her wedding to Prince William, and several pieces in her jewelry collection were designed by Peretti. Notably, she accessorized Peretti’s Pearls by the Yard bracelet in 2007, just a few months before walking down the aisle at Westminster Abbey.
Kate wears a Tiffany & Co. bracelet during an outing to the Cheltenham Festival in March 2007.
“Tiffany & Co has a long American history—it was founded in NY almost 200 years ago, and a long history with the residents of the White House,” Town & Country Editor-in-Chief Stellene Volandes previously explained. “President Lincoln gifted his wife Mary Todd a pearl set from the jeweler. Tiffany has, given this lineage, been where Presidents turn when they are considering official gifts. President Trump gave Queen Elizabeth a brooch, the Obamas and Bidens gave Tiffany gifts, the Kennedys gave the Queen a silver Tiffany frame, and when the Reagans went to Windsor for their State Visit, they didn’t give the Queen a Tiffany gift, but did give one to Prime Minister Thatcher. This visit seems to have followed this long tradition.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales greet President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump upon their arrival at Windsor Castle.
Kate played an important role throughout Trump’s state visit to the UK. Not only was she there to greet the President and First Lady upon their arrival Windsor, but she was also seated next the President at the state banquet. And in his speech at the dinner, the president singled out the Princess of Wales, describing her as “radiant,” “healthy,” and “so beautiful,” seemingly referencing her recent cancer recovery.
As royal reporter Victoria Murphy wrote, “President Trump’s State Visit to the UK was the ultimate example of Britain utilizing the soft power of the royal family with a President who has made his admiration for them very clear. Trump said it would be a ‘fest.’ And, despite very mixed feelings from the public, the British Government was determined to make sure that’s what he got.”
No doubt Kate’s presence was core to the royal charm offensive last week.
Caroline Hallemann is the Digital Director at Town & Country, where she covers culture, society, and entertainment, as well as the British royal family, among a variety of other topics. Caroline is also the author of the forthcoming book, The Kennedys and the Windsors, out in 2026. Prior to leading the digital team at T&C, she served as the brand’s Senior News Editor and Digital News Director, and has previously held positions at Travel + Leisure, DailyCandy, and Parenting Magazine. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and their son, Tommy. You can find her on Instagram at the handle @challemann and on TikTok at @carolinehallemann.
