Former U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump commenced a historic second state visit to the United Kingdom on Tuesday evening. The visit, hosted at the invitation of King Charles III, included a royal welcome at Windsor Castle. Upon arrival at Stansted Airport, they were greeted by U.S. Ambassador Warren Stephens and the King’s Lord-in-Waiting, Viscount Henry Hood.
The visit, spanning September 17th to 19th, is a landmark occasion, as Trump is the first U.S. President to undertake two state visits to the UK. He lauded King Charles, highlighting their long-standing friendship and praising the King’s representation of the country. The itinerary includes significant diplomatic engagements and ceremonial events.
The First Couple’s schedule includes a formal welcome from the Prince and Princess of Wales at Windsor on Wednesday morning, followed by a meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla. Buckingham Palace confirmed the royal welcome, including salutes from Windsor Castle’s Eastern Lawn and the Tower of London.
A traditional carriage procession from Windsor Estate to the castle will involve Trump, the King and Queen, and the Prince and Princess of Wales. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will provide a sovereign escort, accompanied by military bands from the Royal Marines, Army, and RAF.
The Guard of Honor will feature the Foot Guards Massed Band, with the bands playing the national anthems of the United States and the United Kingdom. The President and Melania will join the King and Queen, followed by the President’s inspection of the Guard of Honor.
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, the Household Cavalry, and the Foot Guards will march past before entering Windsor Castle. A luncheon and an exhibition of items from the royal collection related to the United States are scheduled inside the castle.
Trump, who last visited in May 2019 with the late Queen Elizabeth II, will lay a wreath at the tomb of the former monarch at St. George’s Chapel. The Trumps will also tour the historic chapel and attend a concert.
A joint flypast by U.S. and UK military aircraft, weather permitting, is expected after a Beating Retreat ceremony. The state banquet, a key event, will feature speeches by Trump and the British monarch emphasizing the strong bilateral relationship.
On Thursday, Trump will bid farewell to the King and Queen before traveling to Chequers for bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. A Guard of Honor will welcome him at the Prime Minister’s residence.
Discussions are anticipated to strengthen a pre-existing trade agreement. The visit will include a review of Sir Winston Churchill’s records, a business reception by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and a joint press conference.
Significant investments from U.S. entities are expected this week. Google’s £5 billion AI investment, including a data center in Hertfordshire, is a notable example. The British government previously announced over £1.25 billion in U.S. investment in the financial services sector.
British Minister for Trade and Commerce, Peter Kyle, highlighted these investments as a testament to the enduring ‘Golden Corridor’ with a key trading partner. Protests are planned in Windsor and London during Trump’s visit, necessitating a large-scale security operation.