Windsor, United Kingdom – September 17 (AP) – US President Donald Trump touched down at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, marking the start of a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom as the esteemed guest of King Charles III.
The president's Marine One helicopter made its landing in the private Walled Garden of the Windsor estate.
In attendance were Prince William and his wife Catherine, greeting President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, before escorting them to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla.
The event features polished carriages, perfectly drilled troops, and a dazzling display of family silver and diamonds for a day of royal pageantry during the president's unprecedented second state visit to the UK.
This spectacle aims to strengthen ties with a global leader fond of ostentation while his America First policies strain global trade and security frameworks.
Arriving in London on Tuesday evening, Trump expressed his affection for the United Kingdom, describing it as a “very special place.” He also referred to King Charles as a long-time friend and a figure of respect.
The backdrop for this significant visit is Windsor Castle, an almost millennium-old royal residence adorned with gilded interiors, crenellated towers, and priceless art. A gigantic royal standard flew majestically from the castle's Royal Tower in anticipation of the arrival of the Trumps by helicopter from London, where they had stayed at the US ambassador's residence the previous night.
The prospect of visiting the castle appeared to captivate Trump, who abandoned his usual bravado to call the invitation “a great, great honour.” George Gross, an expert on the British monarchy from King's College London, noted Trump's visible excitement, stating it is not an invitation extended to just anyone.
From Pomp to Politics
Following the day's royal pomp, Trump is scheduled to engage in talks on Thursday with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who plans to promote a new UK-US technology deal. The British government hopes this agreement, along with substantial investments from US tech firms, will demonstrate the strength of the trans-Atlantic relationship despite tensions over Ukraine, the Middle East, and NATO's future.
Prime Minister Starmer also aims to steer clear of uncomfortable inquiries regarding Jeffrey Epstein. Just days before the state visit, Starmer dismissed Britain's ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, due to the envoy's prior friendship with the convicted sex offender.
On Tuesday, the activist group Led By Donkeys projected images of Trump and Epstein onto a Windsor Castle tower, highlighting the president's past links to the disgraced financier, which resulted in four arrests by the police.
While the British monarchy relinquished political power long ago, their history, traditions, and celebrity allure make invitations to join them a coveted prize for presidents and prime ministers alike. Consequently, these invitations, extended at the elected government's request, serve as a potent tool to reward allies and extract concessions from hesitant partners.
State Banquet
No US president or other world leader has ever been accorded the honour of a second UK state visit. This distinction will not be lost on President Trump, who frequently resorts to superlatives to describe his actions and harbours admiration for Britain's royals.
The day’s ceremonies in Windsor include a horse-drawn carriage ride through the vast estate—an expansive area covering 6,400 hectares of farmland, forest, and open spaces, which includes a former royal hunting ground that remains home to 500 red deer.
Back at the castle, a military band will perform “God Save the King” and “The Star-Spangled Banner” as Trump and King Charles review an honour guard of soldiers in traditional scarlet tunics and tall bearskin hats.
After enjoying a private luncheon and viewing an exhibit showcasing documents and artwork chronicling the UK-US relationship, attendees will prepare for the splendor of a state banquet. Tiaras and medals will dazzle as up to 160 guests gather around a 50-metre-long mahogany table adorned with 200-year-old silver in Trump's honour. King Charles will deliver a speech, followed by toasts from both the king and the president.
However, President Trump will not have the opportunity to speak before a joint session of Parliament, as French President Emmanuel Macron did during his state visit in July, due to the House of Commons' recess.
Protection from Protests
Typically, state visits unfold in London, against the grand backdrop of Buckingham Palace and The Mall—a broad, flag-lined boulevard. However, this visit takes place in the more modest setting of Windsor, a historic town located approximately 40 kilometres west of central London. (AP) NPK NPK
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