Windsor (England): President Donald Trump was treated to a lavish display of British pageantry on Wednesday as he arrived at Windsor Castle for an unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom. Greeted by King Charles III, Queen Camilla and senior royals, Trump’s day was filled with ceremonial flourishes, military honours and symbolic gestures aimed at reinforcing transatlantic ties.

Joined by First Lady Melania Trump, the president laid a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb inside St George’s Chapel. The couple later attended a musical performance by the chapel choir alongside US officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
 

The visit began with Prince William and Princess Kate welcoming the Trumps at the Walled Garden before escorting them to meet the king. The royal procession included horse-drawn carriages, honour guards in red tunics and bearskin hats and a ride in the Irish State Coach. The royal standard flew high above the castle, marking the occasion.

Throughout the day, Trump and Charles were seen chatting and laughing. At one point, the king placed a hand on Trump’s back. During the troop inspection, Trump stepped ahead of Charles—this time with the king’s invitation, avoiding the protocol misstep that occurred during Trump’s 2019 visit with Queen Elizabeth.

The ceremonial welcome featured 120 horses and 1,300 troops, reportedly the largest guard of honor ever assembled for a state visit. The Beating Retreat military parade, dating back to the 1600s, added to the spectacle, while a planned joint flyover by U.S. and UK fighter jets was canceled due to poor weather. The Red Arrows, however, delivered a dramatic aerial display with red, white, and blue smoke trails.

Inside the castle, Trump and Charles toured a curated Royal Collection exhibit showcasing artifacts from U.S.-UK history, including 18th-century documents on American independence and a glass vessel gifted by President Eisenhower in 1957.

“Wow”, Trump said, reacting to the historical documents. “That’s fascinating”, Charles replied.

The royals presented the Trumps with symbolic gifts, including a handbound volume marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the Union flag flown over Buckingham Palace on Trump’s inauguration day. Trump gifted Charles a replica Eisenhower sword, while Camilla received a vintage Tiffany brooch.

The visit comes amid diplomatic tensions and political sensitivities. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to discuss a new UK-US technology agreement with Trump on Thursday. Meanwhile, the dismissal of UK Ambassador Peter Mandelson over ties to Jeffrey Epstein has cast a shadow over the visit. Activists projected images of Trump and Epstein onto Windsor Castle, leading to four arrests.

Security has been tight, especially following the recent fatal shooting of Trump ally Charlie Kirk in Utah. Windsor’s controlled setting offers a more secure and photogenic alternative to London, where Trump faced mass protests during his 2019 visit.

Historian Robert Lacey noted, “Buckingham Palace has got its balcony, it’s got its façade… But Windsor is a proper castle.”

AFP