Historic Ceremony Marks Start of Trump’s Second State Visit to Britain

The United Kingdom rolled out its grandest display of royal pageantry in decades as US President Donald Trump began his unprecedented second state visit on Wednesday.

At Windsor Castle, heir to the throne Prince William and Princess Catherine greeted Trump and First Lady Melania Trump shortly after their Marine One helicopter landed at 12:15 pm local time. The presidential couple were then escorted to meet King Charles III and Queen Camilla under a heavy security presence, far away from protesting crowds.

A Welcome of Unmatched Scale

As Trump shook hands with the king, a 41-gun salute echoed across the castle’s east lawn. At the same time, cannons fired from the Tower of London, symbolizing the magnitude of the occasion.

More than 1,300 members of the British military and 120 horses took part in the elaborate welcome — reportedly the largest ceremonial reception for a visiting head of state in living memory. Trump and the royals then embarked on a carriage procession through Windsor’s historic estate.

British officials admitted the grand reception was intentional, a deliberate effort to impress an American leader who is known to admire Britain’s monarchy and lavish traditions.

Behind Closed Doors, Away from Protests

The UK government ensured that the entire visit remained shielded from the public eye. Polls continue to show Trump as deeply unpopular among Britons, and thousands of demonstrators gathered in London.

Still, some supporters voiced disappointment. “It’s quite sad that the public cannot see the president,” said Charlene Bryan, a London resident who had traveled to Windsor hoping to catch a glimpse of the US leader.

Outshining 2019 Visit

The welcome ceremony was even more extravagant than the one Queen Elizabeth II hosted for Trump back in 2019. Not only has Trump become the first American president ever to receive two state visits, but his stay will also include the first-ever joint fly-past by UK and US aircraft.

The aerial display will feature F-35 fighter jets alongside the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows, adding yet another historic layer to the visit.

A Schedule Full of Symbolism

The Trumps are expected to lay a wreath on Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb, honoring the late monarch who passed away in 2022. Later, Trump and King Charles III will attend a white-tie state banquet, delivering formal speeches as part of the day’s finale.

The optics clearly aim to flatter Trump, who often celebrates his love for Britain. Earlier this year, he declared “LONG LIVE THE KING!” about himself on social media and even shared a mocked-up magazine cover featuring him in a crown.

Political Calculations at Play

The red-carpet treatment underscores Britain’s attempt to keep Trump on side amid global crises ranging from Ukraine to Gaza. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hopes Trump departs feeling charmed by royal soft power, though given Trump’s unpredictability, there are no guarantees.

On Thursday, Starmer will host Trump at Chequers, the prime minister’s country residence. The meeting will likely spotlight the announcement by British pharmaceutical giant GSK, pledging $30 billion investment in the US over the next five years. Yet awkward conversations on tariffs, defense, and diplomacy remain likely.

A “Warm Heart” and Old Ties

Trump appeared to relish the royal embrace. “A lot of things here warm my heart,” said the president, whose mother was Scottish and who owns two golf resorts in Scotland. He even described King Charles — currently undergoing cancer treatment — as “my friend.”

Epstein’s Shadow Looms

Despite the grand pageantry, the visit has not been without controversy. The specter of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein resurfaced, casting a shadow over both Trump and the royal family.

Police confirmed four arrests after activists projected images of Trump and Epstein onto Windsor Castle late Tuesday. Meanwhile, Starmer has faced domestic backlash after sacking UK ambassador Peter Mandelson, citing the diplomat’s ties to Epstein.

The Balancing Act

Trump’s visit combines high symbolism with heavy risk. On one hand, Britain’s leaders are betting on pomp and ceremony to strengthen ties with Washington at a volatile global moment. On the other, they must manage domestic dissent, international uncertainty, and Trump’s own unpredictable temperament.

For now, the US president seems charmed by Britain’s royal spectacle. Whether this translates into diplomatic goodwill remains to be seen.