LONDON — President Donald Trump began his state visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday with a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, where he was hosted by King Charles III.
Trump became the first elected political leader in modern times to be hosted for two state visits by a British monarch, following his 2019 visit with the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Arriving by Marine One from Winfield House in London, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were received in the Walled Garden by Prince William and Kate Middleton before joining King Charles for a carriage ride to the castle. A full ceremonial reception was held in their honor.
Later in the evening, the Trumps attended a state banquet with the royal family inside Windsor Castle. Guests included prominent business leaders such as Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Rupert Murdoch, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
Outside the official pageantry, thousands of protesters filled central London. Organized by the Stop Trump campaign, demonstrators carried anti-Trump signs and Palestinian flags as they prepared to march toward Parliament.
During their visit, the Trumps toured Windsor Castle with King Charles and Queen Camilla, viewing artifacts symbolizing the U.S.-U.K. relationship. These included 18th-century watercolors, letters exchanged between Queen Victoria and President James Buchanan, and a diary entry by a young Queen Elizabeth recalling a 1930s hot dog picnic.
The president was heard marveling at the displays, saying, “That is so amazing.”
Trump and his advisors later attended a service at St. George’s Chapel, where a children’s choir performed. A wreath was laid on Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb, followed by a tour of the chapel. The evening concluded with the Beating Retreat, a military musical performance featuring over 200 personnel and ending with a Red Arrows flyover, painting the sky with red, white, and blue smoke.
At the state banquet, King Charles emphasized the “special relationship” between the two nations, noting their shared sacrifices and values. He highlighted America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, remarking, “The ocean may still divide us, but in so many ways we are now the closest of kin.”
Raising a toast to the Trumps, the king was followed by the president, who thanked Charles for his hospitality. Trump praised the U.S.-U.K. bond, spoke of his efforts to preserve history, uplift the poor, and support soldiers, and warmly acknowledged the Prince and Princess of Wales, calling Kate “healthy” and “beautiful.”