Britain has rolled out the royal welcome mat for President Trump’s second state visit, a two-day spectacle steeped in the pomp and grandeur he so clearly revels in. The visit began with Mr. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arriving at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, where they were formally greeted by King Charles III.
The itinerary for Wednesday includes a picturesque carriage ride through the historic Windsor estate, followed by a lavish state dinner at the 900-year-old castle. The presidential couple is also expected to pay respects at St. George’s Chapel, laying a wreath at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II, and will spend the night at Windsor Castle. Following the royal events, President Trump is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday at Chequers, the prime minister’s country estate, where they are expected to sign several deals and hold a joint news conference.
This rare second state visit underscores Britain’s strategic effort to engage with a president who appears increasingly inclined to challenge the established post-World War II global order. As President Trump himself noted on Tuesday morning from the White House lawn, highlighting his “very good relationship” with King Charles, “it’s the first time this has ever happened where somebody was honored twice, so it’s a great honor.” The choice of Windsor Castle for this visit, he observed, seemed to particularly charm him, noting its “ultimate” status (Buckingham Palace, the site of his first visit in 2019, is currently undergoing renovations).
Key Aspects of the Visit:
- Royal Preparations: The British royal household meticulously prepares for such high-profile visits. This involves 20 chefs preparing 500 meals, weeks of rehearsals for mounted soldiers, and extensive landscaping. Every detail is polished to perfection, ensuring horses appear “fit, nice and supple, nice and soft, and relaxed.” The royal family also customizes aspects like meals and archival displays to reflect the guest’s nationality, offering an “American flavor” and emphasizing shared history for President Trump.
- Tight Security Measures: Security for this visit is the most extensive since King Charles III’s 2023 coronation, involving drones, snipers, mounted police, and river patrols. Heightened by recent political violence, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk and an attempted assassination on Mr. Trump, authorities confirmed that Mr. Trump would be kept away from public spaces, with all events confined to the private grounds of Windsor and Chequers to minimize risks and avoid protesters.
- Economic Diplomacy: The visit is expected to generate significant economic benefits, with major U.S. tech companies poised to announce over $40 billion in new investments in British artificial intelligence, data centers, and other advanced technologies. Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, and Nvidia are among the firms committing substantial funds, strengthening U.S.-Britain economic and technological ties following a recent trade deal.
- Protests and Controversies: Despite the official pageantry, the visit has been met with protests. British activists highlighted President Trump’s past ties to Jeffrey Epstein by projecting images of the two onto Windsor Castle and unfurling a massive banner. These actions, organized by groups like “Everyone Hates Elon” and “Led By Donkeys,” led to arrests and aimed to embarrass the president. A television special by Channel 4 is also planned to fact-check Mr. Trump’s public statements.
The initial welcome was marked by elaborate military honors. President Trump inspected a guard comprising the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, and Scots Guards – an unprecedented assembly for a state visit, signaling the exceptional effort made by the royal family. The American national anthem played as the presidential carriage, the Irish State Coach, began its procession, with Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump following in the Scottish State Coach. Princess Catherine, known for coordinating her family’s attire, wore burgundy, subtly matching President Trump’s tie and Mrs. Trump’s hat, presenting a unified image.
First Lady Melania Trump’s choice of a dark gray Dior couture skirt suit and a signature hat, partly shielding her eyes, continued her distinctive fashion statements. The carriage procession took place within the secure Windsor estate walls, a departure from previous visits that included public streets, likely to avoid confrontations with protesters.
The President’s evident enjoyment of the royal spectacle, including his inspection of the Beefeaters, underscored his personal appreciation for such ceremonies, a sentiment reportedly shared by his late mother. Queen Camilla, despite recently recovering from sinusitis, was present for the full schedule of events, demonstrating the importance placed on the visit.
However, the visit is not without its domestic political undertones. Ed Davey, leader of the centrist Liberal Democrats, boycotted the state dinner in protest of President Trump’s policies, particularly regarding the war in Gaza. This underscores the broader public sentiment in Britain, where Mr. Trump remains largely unpopular. The British government, nonetheless, is committed to leveraging this diplomatic opportunity.