President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were met with spectacular pomp and circumstance by the British royal family at Windsor Castle, just outside London. This marks a two-day state visit, steeped in the kind of grandeur that evidently delights the President.
This visit is a strategic move by the British government to foster engagement with a President who, now in his second term, seems even less inclined to uphold the established post-World War II global order. The very fact that Mr. Trump has been extended a second state visit to Britain – following his first in 2019 – is an exceptional diplomatic gesture, one no other American president has received.
The Trumps arrived by helicopter from London at Windsor, where they were officially welcomed by King Charles III. President Trump and the King shared a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic Windsor estate, with Queen Camilla and Mrs. Trump following in a separate carriage. A lavish state dinner at the 900-year-old castle is planned for Wednesday evening, with numerous Trump officials, friends, and allies having traveled to England to attend.
Before the grand banquet, Mr. and Mrs. Trump are scheduled to visit St. George’s Chapel to lay a wreath at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II. The Trumps will spend the night at Windsor Castle before the President’s meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday.
“My relationship is very good with the U.K., and Charles, as you know, who’s now king, is my friend,” Mr. Trump remarked from the White House south lawn on Tuesday morning before his departure for Britain. “And it’s the first time this has ever happened where somebody was honored twice, so it’s a great honor.” He was clearly captivated by the chosen venue, questioning, “They say Windsor Castle is the ultimate, right?” (Buckingham Palace, the site of his first state visit, is currently undergoing renovations.)
Here’s what else is unfolding:
- Two-Day Itinerary: Following Wednesday’s royal spectacle, the President will head to Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country estate, on Thursday to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The two leaders are expected to finalize several agreements and hold a joint news conference.
- U.K. Political Climate: Over the weekend, controversial anti-immigrant activist Tommy Robinson spearheaded a massive protest of over 100,000 people in London, marking one of Britain’s largest far-right demonstrations in history. Elon Musk, a former adviser to Mr. Trump who frequently platforms Mr. Robinson on social media, delivered a virtual address to the protesters. In his speech, Musk advocated for governmental change and employed alarmist rhetoric about immigration, stating, “Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you.” Mr. Starmer promptly condemned these remarks.
- Lingering Epstein Controversy: While Mr. Trump may have wished to leave domestic political tensions behind, the ongoing saga surrounding the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continues to cast a shadow over his trip. British activists protested Mr. Trump’s arrival on Tuesday by projecting an image of the President with Mr. Epstein onto the walls of Windsor Castle and unfurling a colossal banner featuring the picture on the castle’s lawn. Last week, Mr. Starmer dismissed his ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, due to his connections with Mr. Epstein. Both Mr. Trump and Mr. Starmer are anticipated to face questions regarding the persistent Epstein controversy.
The atmosphere surrounding this visit appears noticeably more cordial than President Trump’s 2019 state visit. Notably, Mr. Trump has not engaged in social media disputes with London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, as he did upon his previous arrival. The President seems at ease, understandable given his prior experience with such royal receptions.
The upcoming afternoon promises to be just as captivating for President Trump, with a military flyover scheduled, according to official plans. In 2017, Mr. Trump was so impressed by the Bastille Day parade in France, which he attended with President Macron, that he became even more determined to stage a similar military parade in the U.S., a spectacle that is exceedingly rare there.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will now host the President and First Lady for lunch inside Windsor Castle. The welcoming ceremony unfolded without any apparent issues, a likely relief for President Trump’s British hosts.
It’s interesting to observe the fashion choices for such high-stakes diplomatic events. Melania Trump’s suit, by Dior, is currently under the creative direction of Jonathan Anderson, a designer from Northern Ireland. Furthermore, Mrs. Trump disembarked yesterday wearing a Burberry trench coat, a distinctly British brand. While the First Lady doesn’t always outwardly prioritize sartorial nods to diplomatic ties, she may be making a conscious effort on this occasion, reciprocating Britain’s considerable efforts for the visit.
The reception for the President and First Lady has now concluded.
Windsor Castle has notably hosted two state visits this year: today’s and one for President Emmanuel Macron of France. Mr. Trump recently remarked that his visit was another unique gesture by the royal family. In reality, Buckingham Palace is in the midst of a decade-long refurbishment. As President Trump and the King entered the castle, they were serenaded by bagpipers. Mr. Trump often mentions his mother, who was born in Scotland, and her deep reverence for Queen Elizabeth II, recalling how she watched the coronation on television in 1952.
For President Trump, a known admirer of military displays, the royal salute must have been another highlight. The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery paraded past the President and King with their mounted guns.
First Lady Melania Trump is navigating the pebbled driveway in front of the palace in her characteristic Manolo Blahnik stilettos, a potentially challenging feat. In contrast, Queen Camilla opted for comfortable flats.
The flow of events appears significantly smoother than during the 2019 visit, despite the royals having insisted that President Trump did not breach protocol in several moments that garnered widespread attention that year.
It’s impossible to discern their exact conversation, but President Trump’s mouth has scarcely ceased moving since he and King Charles III began their walk, inspecting the honor guard. Whatever Mr. Trump is recounting, King Charles appears amused, with both men frequently sharing laughs.
President Trump is currently inspecting the honor guard. During his last state visit in 2019, this was the moment when Mr. Trump famously walked ahead of Queen Elizabeth, which was then perceived as a protocol breach. However, palace officials later stated that Mr. Trump had not acted improperly. This current inspection appears to be progressing more smoothly.
President Trump has repeatedly told reporters how exceptional it is to be hosted at a state dinner at Windsor Castle. This gesture underscores the extensive efforts by European leaders to prevent him from feeling disrespected. While Trump launched an early-morning social media tirade alleging he and his allies were victims of a weaponized justice system due to federal investigations, he has thus far remained silent on British politics and concerns about immigration in the United Kingdom, a stark contrast to his agitated posts upon entering the U.K. for his first state visit in 2019.
President Trump is walking the grounds, inspecting the Yeomen of the Guard (beefeaters), smiling and nodding at them as the King follows a half-step behind. Judging by the expression on his face, the President is thoroughly entertained.
As “The Star-Spangled Banner” plays once again, President Trump is offering a salute.
President Trump is receiving a formal welcome from an honor guard comprising three distinguished regiments: the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, and Scots Guards. This assembly of all three colors is unprecedented for a state visit, further highlighting the extraordinary welcome extended by the royal family to the President.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, is renowned for coordinating her family’s outfits for major public appearances. Today, she is attired in a burgundy coat, hat, and dress, with Prince William seemingly wearing a matching tie. Coincidentally, the color is remarkably similar to President Trump’s tie and closely matches Mrs. Trump’s hat. While likely accidental, this presents a visually harmonious picture of unity as the couples walk side by side.
For those who recall the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, the imagery of the Windsor estate might feel familiar. Her coffin was transported to the castle, and her body was later interred in St. George’s Chapel within the castle complex. President Trump is scheduled to lay a wreath there later.
Melania Trump is dressed in a dark gray Dior couture skirt suit, complete with another one of her signature hats! Hats are increasingly becoming a distinctive element of the First Lady’s style. This particular hat, reminiscent of the one she wore to the inauguration, subtly shields her eyes.
When President Emmanuel Macron of France arrived for his state visit in July, his carriage procession traversed the streets of Windsor. This time, the procession is confined within the walls of the Windsor estate. One possible reason for this change: to minimize exposure to potential protesters.
It’s difficult to overstate President Trump’s anticipation for this visit, long before he and his inner circle were shaken by the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk. Trump holds a deep appreciation for such ceremonial pomp and frequently recalls his mother’s fervent interest in the royals.
Queen Camilla’s presence at today’s events is noteworthy. She had to withdraw from a royal funeral for the Duchess of Kent on Tuesday due to sinusitis. However, the palace has confirmed she will participate in the full schedule of events today.
The American national anthem is currently being performed as the royal carriage proceeds.
The British authorities have implemented the most extensive protective security operation since the 2023 coronation of King Charles III for President Trump’s state visit. This includes the deployment of drones, snipers, mounted police, and boat teams patrolling the River Thames.
While any visit by a foreign head of state to Britain necessitates substantial policing preparations, security experts note that the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk in Utah last week, along with the attempted assassination of Mr. Trump last year, has significantly heightened concerns regarding potential threats.
Mr. Trump arrived in London on Tuesday evening and is expected to engage in a series of events with the royal family at Windsor Castle, located west of London, on Wednesday. He is scheduled to spend Thursday with Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s official country residence.
British police confirmed in a Monday news briefing that Mr. Trump would be kept away from public spaces throughout the state visit.
“Both the Windsor visit and meeting at Chequers are in the private grounds of Windsor and Chequers, respectively,” stated Christian Bunt, Assistant Chief Constable for the Thames Valley Police, the force overseeing the visit. “So there will be no public-facing element.”
Simon Morgan, a former Metropolitan Police royalty protection officer, explained that Mr. Kirk’s assassination would prompt officials planning the operation to intensify efforts to ensure no vantage point from which a “shot could be taken” remains unprotected.
“They will be seeking to control every aspect of the space, both in terms of on the ground and in the air,” said Mr. Morgan, who served as a firearms officer in the Metropolitan Police for over a decade, protecting the royal family from 2006 to 2013 before establishing a private security company.
Armed police officers from across England and Wales, where only 4 percent of officers are authorized to carry firearms, are being dispatched to London and Windsor to reinforce local forces during the trip.