Sky News briefly stopped its regular programming to bring viewers a live update after Mark Stone managed to get Donald Trump on the phone something that's becoming something of a habit. Presenter Mark Austin even joked that Stone had become Trump's "new best mate," pointing out that the two had spoken three separate times within just a few weeks.
Stone explained that Trump regularly takes calls from journalists and was eager to share his impressions of the royal state visit. By all accounts, the president was in a genuinely good mood about it. "He loves the Royal Family and he loved this trip," Stone told viewers. "He clearly thinks that every part of it went very well."
A Standing Ovation and High Praise for Charles
Trump was particularly enthusiastic about King Charles' address to Congress. He described it as a fantastic speech, brilliantly delivered, and noted that it received a standing ovation from everyone present. For Trump, who rarely hands out compliments so freely, the level of praise was notable.
But Stone admitted he didn't let the president off easy. He pressed Trump on the fact that parts of Charles' speech carried subtle jabs points that could reasonably be read as indirect criticism of Trump's own policies and worldview. Trump, to his credit, didn't dodge the question. Instead, he pivoted and used the moment to take a swipe at Starmer.
The Starmer Comment That Stopped the Broadcast
Trump's words about the British Prime Minister were blunt. He said Starmer is "a much different person" than King Charles, and suggested that if Starmer learned to handle things the way Charles does, he would fare much better. It wasn't a subtle dig it was a direct contrast drawn in front of a live audience.
When Stone asked whether the royal visit might help warm up Trump's relationship with Starmer, the president gave a layered answer. He insisted their relationship is "very good," but quickly added that Starmer had made what he called "tragic mistakes" one on immigration, one on energy policy. He said he likes Starmer personally, but clearly has no patience for those two decisions.
Affection for the Royals, Frustration with the Government
What emerged from the full conversation was a clear pattern. Trump sees the British Royal Family and the British government as two very different things and he's making no effort to hide that distinction. When he waved off King Charles and Queen Camilla at the end of their visit, he reportedly said the country needs "more people like this."
Stone pointed out on air that Trump has been consistent in this approach heaping warmth on the royals while continuing to criticize the Labour government's direction. It's a line Trump seems comfortable walking, and one that puts Starmer in an awkward spot diplomatically.
For now, the state visit has clearly been a win for the royal side of the relationship. Whether it translates into any smoother dealings between Washington and Downing Street remains a very different question.
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