London: The British have agonised for months about the time and money being lavished on Donald Trump for his second state visit to their country, wondering why they were treating the United States president with such honour.

King Charles just showed them that pomp has a point. And it can be a very sharp one, when delivered so smoothly that nobody feels any pain.

The King and US President Donald Trump inspect a guard of honour at Windsor Castle.Credit: Getty Images

There was immense goodwill during Trump’s state visit at Windsor Castle on Wednesday ahead of the state banquet honouring Trump, and Charles seemed to be enjoying himself.

“Watch the sword!” the King joked with Trump after they reviewed the guard of honour and faced the guard captain, who raised the weapon to signal the end of the inspection. Trump came face-to-face with military discipline, tradition and duty.

There was some steel and some sharpness in the King’s address to Trump at the banquet, almost as if he were holding up the same weapon with his words. He reminded Trump of the military alliance between the US and the United Kingdom, and the way the allies had defeated tyranny – without needing to name Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In 50 words, Charles sent a message to Trump about helping Ukraine, preventing threats to Europe, cementing the AUKUS pact and working with Australia. It seemed to be precisely the message British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wanted Trump to hear.

It is not unusual for the........

© The Sydney Morning Herald