Donald Trump received a lavish royal welcome from King Charles III at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, marking the start of his historic second state visit to Britain.
The US president laughed and joked with the monarch as he inspected troops, while a 41-gun salute thundered across the castle grounds and the Tower of London. Some 120 horses and 1,300 troops — in red tunics and gold-plumed helmets — staged what UK officials described as the largest guard of honour for a state visit in living memory.
Prince William and Catherine greeted Trump and First Lady Melania on their arrival by helicopter before escorting them to meet Charles and Queen Camilla. The two couples then enjoyed a carriage procession through the Windsor estate towards the nearly 1,000-year-old castle.
Inside, the royals and the Trumps shared lunch, while outside, military pageantry continued with cavalry displays, bagpipes, and salutes. Later, the day’s events were set to conclude with a white-tie state banquet at Windsor.
Britain is deploying royal pomp to charm the unpredictable American leader during a tense period of global crises. However, Trump remains deeply unpopular among the British public, and officials have kept the visit largely behind closed doors.
Trump, the first US president to be granted two state visits to the UK, will also witness a rare joint flypast by US and British fighter jets, including the RAF’s Red Arrows. He and Charles are due to lay a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb, paying tribute to the late monarch.
The 79-year-old Republican described Charles, who is undergoing cancer treatment, as “my friend” and remarked that “a lot of things here warm my heart,” citing his Scottish heritage.
Yet controversy still shadows the visit. Protesters projected images of Trump and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle overnight, while police arrested four people. More demonstrations were expected in London.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host Trump on Thursday at Chequers, hoping to strengthen ties amid political challenges at home. Talks are expected to focus on trade, defence, and GSK’s announcement of a $30 billion US investment, though sensitive issues may test the warmth of the royal spectacle.