London, Sep 15 (AP) Windsor Castle is abuzz with preparations as staff meticulously set up the 50-metre-long mahogany table, grooms polish horses' hooves, and the military honor guard perfects their steps. This is all in anticipation of King Charles III hosting US President Donald Trump for a landmark second state visit this week. The historic setting, 1,000 years old and located just west of London, is the perfect backdrop for Britain's unparalleled pageantry, featuring glittering tiaras, a brass band, and a lavish banquet served on 200-year-old silver, all emphasizing Britain's unique grandeur. But beneath the glitz, lies a strategic goal – to strengthen ties with one of the world's leading figures during turbulent times shaped by Trump's America First policies affecting long-standing trade and security partnerships.
Royal historian Robert Lacey notes, “We're buttering up to him.” He highlights that Trump likely wouldn't visit if not for the allure of Windsor Castle and the chance to meet the king while paying homage to Queen Elizabeth II, whom he admired. This highlights soft power in play.
Even though Britain's monarchy relinquished political power three centuries ago, they still wield significant soft power, used by the government to reward friends and extract concessions from allies. State visits are the monarchy's most potent tool, with global leaders eager for the full royal treatment. During Queen Elizabeth II's seven-decade reign, she welcomed luminaries ranging from Nicolae Ceausescu to Nelson Mandela. The royals have also hosted the past four US presidents, with varying degrees of ceremony.
While the specific impact of soft power is challenging to measure, it certainly fosters an amicable atmosphere that may render another party more inclined towards one's proposals, according to Martin Farr, an expert in modern British history at Newcastle University. Six years ago, Britain sought Trump's backing for Brexit. Now, they are seeking favorable trade terms and assistance with Russian aggression in Ukraine.
“A new Trump presidency, a new prime minister, a different government, but a similar sense of urgency,” Farr points out. Prime Minister Keir Starmer quickly reached out, delivering the king's invitation within weeks of Trump beginning his second term. This makes Trump the first world leader honored with a second state visit, with the personal letter from the king being a point of pride for Trump.
“It's a great, great honor, and that says at Windsor,” Trump declared. “That's really something.”
For a president known for gilded tastes, the occasion offers plenty of opulence, with his arrival alongside First Lady Melania Trump marking the visit's climax. After an initial welcome, Charles and Queen Camilla will accompany the Trumps on a carriage ride through the estate, greeted by a military band playing the national anthems. The carefully choreographed ceremonies will feature hundreds of military personnel, showcasing precision in both attire and movement. “God Save the King” and “The Star-Spangled Banner” will resonate with exactness, setting the tone for the visit.
Following the opening actions, the Trumps will view an exhibit showcasing the longstanding US-British history. The contents remain undisclosed, yet the possibilities are plentiful, rooted in shared legal and democratic traditions tracing back to the Magna Carta, ennobled in 1215 at nearby Runnymede.
However, the state banquet on Wednesday night stands as the visit's highlight. With men in white tie and women adorned in glamorous gowns, the scene will be illuminated by antique candelabras.
“The tiaras will be out in force,'' remarks royal historian Hugo Vickers. The grand spectacle is not merely for show but for diplomacy.
The king and queen will host guests around the colossal Waterloo Table, almost half a football field long, with room for 160 attendees. A table-setting endeavor spanning five days, utilizing the Grand Service, comprising over 4,000 pieces including serving dishes, dinner plates, and egg cups.
Vickers emphasizes that silver and ceremony pave the way for conciliation, a principle beloved by Queen Elizabeth. Starmer wisely uses royal prestige to entice Trump, capitalizing on the grandeur to engage him in crucial dialogues, notably regarding Ukraine and broader geopolitical concerns.
Discussions with Prime Minister Starmer will occur at Chequers, the British prime minister’s country estate, on Thursday, where they will delve into essential topics. (AP) GRS GRS
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