Donald Trump regards receiving a second state visit to the UK to be "one of the highest honours" of his life

Addressing King Charles directly, Trump said: "This is truly one of the highest honours of my life, I have such respect for you and such respect for your country for many decades."

Trump also praised the monarch's dedication to "preserving the glorious and unique character of this kingdom".

He added: "I just stood in line and shook about 150 hands, and the King knew every single person and every single company.

"Some of them had bad names like 'XYZ-Q3' and he knew every one of them, or at least I think he did, because nobody was complaining. I was very impressed with that."

Trump also spoke about the UK's "special relationship" with the US.

He explained: "We're like two notes in one chord or two verses of the same prose.

"Each beautiful on its own, but really meant to be played together. The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal. It's irreplaceable and unbreakable."

Meanwhile, Charles observed that the banquet "reflects the enduring bond" that exists between the UK and the US.

The 76-year-old monarch said in his speech: "It is with great pleasure that my wife and I welcome you to Windsor Castle on this, your second state visit to the United Kingdom.

"This unique and important occasion reflects the enduring bond between our two great nations."

Charles observed that the two countries "fought together to defeat the forces of tyranny" in two world wars.

He added: "Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine, to deter aggression and secure peace."

Trump has been to the UK twice in the last two months alone, and the King joked about the President's fondness of the country.

Charles quipped: "I understand that British soil makes for rather splendid golf courses!"