King Charles Gives Trump Royal Welcome On UK State Visit
Donald Trump was treated to a royal reception featuring gun salutes, soldiers on horseback and bagpipes as he met Wednesday with Britain's King Charles III for a historic second state visit, which unfolded far from marching protesters.
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King Charles III and President Donald Trump share a carriage during a ceremonial procession at Windsor Castle
United Kingdom:
King Charles III welcomed Donald Trump with an extravagant royal reception Wednesday featuring ceremonial gun salutes, mounted soldiers, and traditional bagpipes, marking the American president's historic second state visit to Britain, conducted away from demonstrating protesters.
The two leaders shared lighthearted moments as Trump reviewed troops at Windsor Castle, west of London, during an elaborate display that included a carriage procession—perfectly tailored to appeal to the former reality TV star's well-known appreciation for ceremonial grandeur.
The impressive welcome involved approximately 120 horses and 1,300 British military personnel—some adorned in distinctive red tunics with gold-plumed helmets—honoring Trump during a ceremonial guard inspection that British officials described as the largest mounted for any state visit to the UK in recent history.
President Trump and First Lady Melania arrived by Marine One helicopter under overcast skies at 12:15 pm (1115 GMT), where they were greeted by Prince William and Catherine, the heir to the British throne and his wife.
Secured within a protective perimeter and shielded from thousands of anti-Trump protesters demonstrating in London, William and Catherine escorted the Trumps a short distance to meet the waiting King Charles and Queen Camilla.
As the president and king exchanged handshakes, a synchronized 41-gun salute was fired from six World War One-era artillery pieces on the castle's eastern lawn, while a similar ceremonial display occurred simultaneously at the Tower of London in the capital's center.
The royal hosts and their American guests then traveled in an ornate black and gold coach, escorted by mounted cavalry, through Windsor's grounds toward the nearly millennium-old castle, where Trump and Charles reviewed the guard of honor together.
The two were observed exchanging smiles, and the president rendered a salute during the American national anthem before the royal party and their guests proceeded inside for lunch.
They exchanged ceremonial gifts—the royals presenting Trump with a commemorative book celebrating next year's 250th anniversary of American independence, while Trump offered Charles a replica of President Dwight Eisenhower's sword.
'Warm My Heart' Britain is sparing no effort to impress and flatter the unpredictable Trump as the UK government seeks to maintain positive relations amid numerous international challenges.
The 79-year-old Republican leader is being carefully kept distant from the British public, as polls indicate his continued unpopularity, with the entire visit occurring behind secured barriers.
An estimated 3,000 protesters marched through central London Wednesday, carrying Palestinian flags and displaying banners with messages including "Migrants welcome, Trump not welcome".
"I'm just scared of the way the world's being taken over by really nasty men," revealed Jo Williamson, a 58-year-old funeral director from Kent in southeast England, speaking to AFP.
Trump has made history as the first US president to receive two state visits, following his previous one with Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.
During his Windsor visit, he placed a wreath at the tomb of Charles's mother Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in 2022, and viewed a collection of American-related historical artifacts, including correspondence from President Abraham Lincoln to Queen Victoria from 1862 following Prince Albert's death.
The day will conclude with a formal white-tie state banquet, during which both the president and king are scheduled to deliver speeches.
Trump's unpredictability regarding tariffs, Ukraine, Gaza and other global issues has created international uncertainty, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hopes the president will depart Thursday influenced by the diplomatic soft power of royal hospitality—though outcomes remain uncertain.
Epstein's Shadow "A lot of things here warm my heart," remarked the president, whose mother was born in Scotland and who owns two golf resorts there, upon arriving late Tuesday at the US ambassador's official London residence.
The American leader may welcome this diplomatic respite from domestic turbulence, particularly following right-wing activist Charlie Kirk's killing, which has intensified political tensions in the US.
However, the controversy surrounding deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein cast a shadow over proceedings, creating domestic challenges for both Trump and Starmer.
Police detained four individuals after they projected images of Trump with Epstein onto Windsor Castle late Tuesday.
Starmer will host Trump Thursday at Chequers, the Prime Minister's country residence.
Their discussions will be bolstered by announced multi-billion pound investments between their economies, including from British pharmaceutical giant GSK and Google, though potentially awkward topics remain.
Starmer faces political complications at home after dismissing his UK ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, over connections to the late Epstein.