Britain rolled out the red carpet for US President Donald Trump during his second official state visit, complete with royal pageantry, political talks, fashion headlines, and a grand banquet. While the pomp was on full display, protests, old controversies, and behind-the-scenes manoeuvres also shaped the visit. 

Pomp and pageantry behind castle walls

The UK hosted Trump with full royal honours, including a banquet at Windsor Castle attended by King Charles III. The King praised Trump’s “personal commitment” to the pursuit of peace. In response, Trump called the visit “one of the highest honours of my life.”

The president, whose mother was Scottish, spoke warmly of Britain. He hailed Charles for raising his “remarkable son,” Prince William, and predicted the heir would be “an unbelievable success in future.”

He also called William’s wife, Catherine, “so radiant and so healthy and so beautiful,” noting she was recovering from cancer treatment.

Carefully choreographed, the visit kept Trump shielded from protests. While thousands demonstrated in London, Trump enjoyed pomp within the castle’s strong walls before flying by helicopter to Chequers, the country residence of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Protests in the streets

As the ceremonies unfolded, critics of the president marched and chanted in London and Windsor. About 5,000 protesters took part in the capital, holding banners and drumming. Their efforts went largely unnoticed by Trump, who remained within the royal bubble.

Why was Melania Trump’s hat such a talking point?

First Lady Melania Trump turned heads with her arrival outfit in Windsor, especially her striking purple hat. Its wide brim covered her eyes, drawing comparisons to millinery she had worn during Trump’s inauguration.

Speculation about the meaning behind the choice flooded social media. Was it a statement of mystery? A way of not overshadowing her husband? Or simply a taste for dramatic hats? No clear answer emerged, leaving fashion watchers guessing.

Epstein shadows the visit

The ghost of Jeffrey Epstein loomed over the occasion. Activists from Led by Donkeys projected images of Trump with the late sex offender onto a castle tower, including Trump’s mugshot, photos of Epstein and old clips of the two men dancing.

Police later arrested four men “on suspicion of malicious communications,” releasing them on bail as inquiries continue.

Epstein’s connections also created political trouble at home. Former UK ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson faced scrutiny for his links to Epstein, leading Prime Minister Starmer to sack him just days before the visit.

Pomp over politics

Though known for fiery exchanges with world leaders, Trump avoided sparking fresh controversy this time. Insiders said he was mindful of Starmer’s fragile position after recent political slip-ups and chose not to inflame tensions.

At the joint press conference, Trump acknowledged differences on Starmer’s vow to recognise a Palestinian state but refrained from pushing further. Instead, the spotlight was on a major technology investment deal that Starmer hailed as “the biggest investment package of its kind in British history.”