U.S. President Donald Trump in state visit to the United Kingdom entered full swing Wednesday, with Trump and First Lady Melania welcomed at Windsor Castle by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The visit, designed to showcase the strength of the “special relationship” between the two nations, blended pageantry with controversy as critics and supporters made their voices heard.
A Royal Welcome
Arriving aboard Marine One, the Trumps were greeted at Windsor Castle not only by the king and queen but also by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate. Traditional royal gun salutes were fired from the castle grounds and the Tower of London to mark the occasion.
The day’s schedule leaned heavily into British pomp and tradition. Trump joined King Charles to inspect a guard of honor, the two leaders chatting amicably as they reviewed the troops. The couple then participated in a carriage procession through Windsor, accompanied by mounted cavalry and military bands, before being escorted into the castle to the sound of Scottish bagpipes — a nod to Trump’s maternal heritage.
Following lunch, the Trumps were shown select pieces from the Royal Collection and privately laid a wreath at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II inside St George’s Chapel. A flyover by U.K. and U.S. F-35 jets, along with the Red Arrows, was scheduled for late afternoon, while the evening’s highlight — a state banquet in Windsor Castle — promised dazzling royal splendor. Both King Charles and President Trump were set to deliver speeches.
Arrival
The president’s arrival had already made headlines. Air Force One landed at London’s Stansted Airport Tuesday evening, where the Trumps were welcomed by British officials before retiring to Winfield House, the U.S. ambassador’s residence in London.
Divided Public Opinion
In Windsor, both supporters and protesters gathered. An anti-Trump rally held Tuesday criticized his immigration policies and stance on Ukraine and Israel, while his supporters praised those same positions, underscoring the deep divisions that often accompany his visits abroad.
Security has been tight in Windsor for weeks, with police sweeping roads, drains, and buildings near the castle in preparation for the high-profile visit.
Next Stop: Chequers
On Thursday, the presidential motorcade will move on to Chequers, the country residence of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. There, Trump and Starmer are expected to shift focus from ceremonial grandeur to weightier matters, including trade deals, defense partnerships, and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip.
For Windsor residents, the departure will bring a sigh of relief after days of extraordinary security and international media attention.
