Former U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, embarked on a second state visit to the United Kingdom, arriving in London on Tuesday evening. The visit, hosted by King Charles III, included a royal welcome at Windsor Castle. Upon landing at Stansted Airport, they were greeted by U.S. Ambassador Warren Stephens and the King’s representative, Viscount Henry Hood.
The visit, from September 17th to 19th, marks a historic moment, as Trump is the first U.S. President to receive two state visits from the UK. Trump acknowledged the King, celebrating their friendship and the King’s role in representing the nation. The schedule is packed with diplomatic meetings and ceremonial events.
The First Couple will receive 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 and the Tower of London.
A carriage procession from Windsor Estate to the castle will include Trump, the King and Queen, and the Prince and Princess of Wales. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will provide an escort, joined by military bands.
The Guard of Honor will feature the Foot Guards Massed Band, performing the national anthems. The President and Melania will then join the King and Queen for the 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 a special exhibition related to the United States are scheduled inside the castle.
Trump, who last visited with the late Queen Elizabeth II in May 2019, will lay a wreath at her tomb 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 is planned, weather permitting, after a Beating Retreat ceremony. The state banquet will feature speeches by Trump and the British monarch to celebrate the strong ties between the two countries.
On Thursday, Trump will bid farewell to the King and Queen and then travel to Chequers for talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. A Guard of Honor will welcome him there.
Discussions are expected to strengthen a prior trade agreement. The visit will include a review of Sir Winston Churchill’s records and a joint press conference.
Significant investment from U.S. entities is anticipated. Google’s investment in AI, including a data center, is a key example. The British government had previously announced significant U.S. investment in financial services.
British Minister for Trade and Commerce, Peter Kyle, emphasized these investments as a symbol of the enduring ‘Golden Corridor’ between the UK and the U.S. Protests are expected during Trump’s visit, which requires a large security operation.
