🔗 Share this article

When the coronation of the Queen aired worldwide, a small boy watched intently to a black and white television in New York City.

His mother, who was Scottish was captivated facing the screen, not moving the entire day of that historic date.

That child turned out to be Donald Trump.

Years later, during his career as a real estate tycoon, he shared the influence his mother’s admiration for the royal family had on him within the pages of The Art of the Deal.

He credited his "flair for drama" to her influence, describing her as "captivated by the ceremony and tradition."

That deep appreciation for pomp and ceremony – coupled with his sense of display – is expected to be on full display when Trump journeys back to Windsor for his return official trip to the UK.

The formal request from the monarch was personally presented by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the Oval Office, viewed as a clear gesture to Trump’s fondness of pageantry.

Trump’s tour to the UK will be unprecedented – he is the sole US leader granted a pair of official visits.

Previously, he met the deceased Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle, with his mother was top of his mind.

Trump’s former national security staffer, Fiona Hill, observed that he often spoke his mother’s respect for the royal family.

Being introduced to the Queen while in office was an obsession because it was the "ultimate sign that he succeeded."

Shortly after the royal audience, he told Piers Morgan in an interview: "While approaching, I remarked, ‘Picture my mother seeing this scene?’"

His fascination toward the monarchy was apparent since his younger days.

A former associate who advised Trump for 10 years recounts the real estate developer seeking to "gin up interest" in his Florida property by rolling out Lady Di’s name as a potential member.

Trump was seen at the time as an newcomer, and local papers quoted elite circles who were unconvinced of the alleged royal interest.

"It sounds like a Trump ploy to attract members a social figure was cited as saying.

Someone familiar with the promotional campaign shared that Trump proposed the royal a no-cost membership, but received a polite decline.

In its place, it was suggested Trump might make a donation to environmental causes.

Mr Blackman noted too how Trump was captivated with the response.

"It has always been a significant matter for Donald Trump to be viewed as successful," he said.

Back in the eighties, the press claimed that the royal couple were looking at purchasing a multi-million-dollar condo in Trump Tower.

The speculation, insiders suggested, was likely originated with Trump himself.

A rejection was put out by the royal household, stating "there was no truth."

An ex-royal aide for the Queen noted that Trump did not feature on the royals’ awareness at that time.

"People have been leveraging royal names since the year dot," he said. "Never explain never complain."

The businessman mentioned the episode in The Art of the Deal, writing he did not confirm or deny the rumour, noting it benefited Trump Tower.

Later on, he reportedly extended an invitation to the royal to his nuptials to Melania Knauss.

The celebration was held in the private club, in a opulent ballroom based on Versailles' Hall of Mirrors.

Expert Kristen Meinzer says Trump has spent years trying to model himself after the royals.

"After purchasing Mar a Lago, he practically took on the crest of the original family," she said.

From his perspective, the royal institution has a worldwide prestige that he craves.

"They’re this apex of elite circles that he’s long sought to join," says expert Peter Harris.

"On the other hand is he just wants press attention… it combines these aspects in one family."

When he travels there, he knows he’ll get adulation, great photo opportunities, shake hands with the King, and nobody will say anything bad while with them.

One royal especially gained Trump’s interest.

He wrote in The Art of the Comeback that his only "missed chance in the women department" was that he missed the opportunity to date Diana.

He said she "had a glow" and was "extraordinary."

Yet, according to former BBC presenter Selina Scott, Trump made efforts to date Princess Diana after her separation from Prince Charles.

Scott wrote, Diana shared that Trump made her feel "the creeps," and was alarmed as flowers continued to appear at her home.

Shortly after her passing, in a Howard Stern show, Trump stated that he may have slept with the former Princess.

But in 2016, he denied any personal attraction, and just thought her to be "beautiful."

His comments on other women in the household have been more critical.

In 2012, he blamed Kate, the now-Princess of Wales, for private photos taken while she was on vacation.

Trump has also called Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, "unpleasant" and "unlikable," while she described him as "divisive" and "biased."

None of that will affect the {state visit|official trip|royal