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As the coronation of Queen Elizabeth was televised worldwide, a six-year-old boy observed closely to a black and white television at his home in New York City.

Mary Anne MacLeod Trump was captivated in front of the screen, not moving throughout the day of 2 June 1953.

That boy was Donald Trump.

As an adult, as a real estate developer, he recounted the influence his mother’s admiration for the British royals had on him in his book The Art of the Deal.

He attributed his "love of spectacle" from her, describing her as "fascinated with the pomp and circumstance."

His profound interest for royal splendor – coupled with his sense of display – will be on full display when Trump returns to Windsor on his repeat diplomatic tour to the UK.

The royal summons from the monarch was hand-delivered by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the Oval Office, interpreted as a targeted effort to Trump’s love of ceremony.

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

Previously, he encountered the deceased Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle, with his mother was a central memory.

An ex- national security staffer, Fiona Hill, observed that he frequently mentioned his mother’s respect for the British crown.

Having an audience with the Queen during his presidency was an obsession since it symbolized the "ultimate sign that he achieved greatness."

Shortly after the royal audience, he remarked to Piers Morgan in an interview: "I was walking, I thought aloud, ‘Can you imagine my mother seeing this sight?’"

His fascination with the royals was apparent early in his career.

A former associate who worked with Trump during the 1990s recalls the mogul seeking to "stimulate interest" in the private club by rolling out Princess Diana’s name as a prospective member.

Trump was viewed at the time as an non-establishment figure, and local papers quoted high society who were doubtful of the alleged royal interest.

"It sounds like a typical Trump move to attract members a countess was quoted as saying.

A source with the promotional campaign stated that Trump extended the royal a free one-year membership, but received a polite decline.

Alternatively, it was suggested he could give to philanthropic causes.

The planner noted too how Trump remained obsessed with the letter.

"It has always been a big deal for Donald Trump to be seen as influential," he said.

Back in the eighties, tabloids stated that Prince Charles and Princess Diana were interested in buying a multi-million-dollar condo in Trump Tower.

The rumour, observers noted, was likely put out by Trump himself.

A rejection was put out by Buckingham Palace, stating "there was no truth."

A press spokesman for the Queen noted that Trump did not feature on the royals’ focus at that time.

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

Trump himself wrote about the episode in The Art of the Deal, writing he did not verify or rebut the rumour, but said it boosted Trump Tower.

Years after, he allegedly asked Prince Charles to his wedding to Melania Knauss.

The reception was held in his Florida estate, in a opulent ballroom modeled after the French king’s Hall of Mirrors.

Commentator Kristen Meinzer observes Trump has spent a lifetime trying to model himself after the royals.

"After purchasing Mar a Lago, he effectively assumed the crest of the original family," she said.

In Trump’s eyes, the UK monarchy holds a international standing that he longs for.

"They’re the peak of the upper class that he’s consistently desired to join," says expert Peter Harris.

"The other half is he just wants publicity… it combines these elements in one family."

He can go there, he is aware he’ll get attention, great photo opportunities, greet the King, and no one will criticize him in their presence.

A specific member especially held Trump’s interest.

Within another publication The Art of the Comeback that his only "regret in the women department" was that he never had the opportunity to date Lady Diana Spencer.

He said she "had a glow" and was "a dream lady."

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

In her account, Diana shared that Trump made her feel "uneasy," and grew worried as roses kept arriving at her apartment.

Shortly after her tragic end, in a 1997 interview, Trump asserted that he may have been with the former Princess.

But in 2016, he said there was any romantic interest, and simply viewed her to be "charming."

Remarks on additional female members in the household have been more critical.

Years ago, he criticized Kate, the now-Princess of Wales, for private photos taken while she was sunbathing.

Trump has also described Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, "unpleasant" and "unlikable," while she described him as "controversial" and "sexist."

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