President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were greeted with a spectacle of traditional royal protocol upon their arrival at Windsor Castle, just outside London. Their visit began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb, followed by a formal welcome from the British royal family. Under a somber sky on the castle’s East Lawn, military bands in full dress uniform performed, and the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows aerobatic team performed a flyover, leaving patriotic red, white, and blue contrails across the sky.
This high-profile state visit is seen as a strategic diplomatic effort by the British government to engage with a president who appears increasingly inclined to reshape the post-World War II international order. The invitation for a second state visit, a rare honor, underscores Britain’s desire to influence his stance on key bilateral and global issues.
However, the royal pageantry was starkly juxtaposed with significant public dissent. Thousands of demonstrators converged in central London, protesting Mr. Trump’s presence. Polls indicate the American president remains widely unpopular in Britain. Protesters carried placards with messages like “Dump Trump,” “Trump for Prison,” and “No to racism, No to Trump.” Many expressed concerns about his policies and character, with some blaming him for not intervening in international conflicts.
Adding to the controversy, British activists projected images of Mr. Trump alongside deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein onto the walls of Windsor Castle on the eve of his arrival, and unrolled a large banner displaying the same image on the castle grounds. Police swiftly intervened, making arrests for these stunts. The ongoing saga surrounding Epstein’s ties is a backdrop to the visit, with both Mr. Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer expected to face questions on the matter.
Throughout Wednesday, Mr. Trump engaged in various royal engagements. He and King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Camilla and Mrs. Trump, shared a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic Windsor estate. They viewed items from the Royal Collection that highlight the long-standing relationship between Britain and the United States, including a 1774 letter from Lord North to King George III regarding the ‘state of rebellion’ in the American colonies. The day culminated in a white-tie state banquet at the 900-year-old castle, attended by numerous Trump officials and allies.
Despite an early morning social media post from Mr. Trump criticizing federal investigations, his public comments during the visit have largely steered clear of British domestic politics, a contrast to his previous visit. The atmosphere was noted by observers as more harmonious on the official side, though chilly winds affected some outdoor ceremonies.
Beyond the diplomatic and protest narratives, the visit also holds significant economic implications. Major U.S. tech companies, including Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, and Nvidia, are expected to announce over $40 billion in new investments in Britain for artificial intelligence, data centers, and other technologies. This move is poised to strengthen the economic and technological ties between the two nations, following a recently concluded trade deal.
The visit will continue into Thursday, with Mr. Trump scheduled to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the prime minister’s country residence. Discussions are expected to cover a range of issues, with leaders potentially signing new deals and holding a joint news conference. Mrs. Trump will spend the day at Windsor with Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales, attending an event with Britain’s Scouts Association.