Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Windsor Castle became the epicenter of international diplomacy and royal pageantry today as King Charles III welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump for an historic second state visit to the United Kingdom. The visit, steeped in tradition, spectacle, and political undertones, marks the first time a U.S. president has been accorded two full state visits by the British monarchy.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, greeted President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump shortly after midday at the Walled Garden on the Windsor estate. The President arrived aboard Marine One, landing on the carefully prepared lawn near Victoria House, a previously unused site for such an arrival, chosen to add a uniquely personal and familial touch to the welcome.
From there, the couple were escorted by William and Kate to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla outside Victoria House, a charming 19th-century yellow-brick residence that once housed the Royal Head Gardener and has since been refurbished with taxpayer funding.
The Queen, who had been recuperating from acute sinusitis and missed the funeral of the Duchess of Kent the day before, appeared recovered and radiant in a sapphire ensemble by Fiona Clare and a matching hat by Philip Treacy. Kate Middleton wore an elegant Emilia Wickstead dress with a Jane Taylor hat and a delicate feather brooch.
Unprecedented Military Display
The ceremonial welcome was one of the most elaborate ever staged for a foreign dignitary, surpassing even the pageantry afforded to French President Emmanuel Macron in 2024. A 41-gun salute thundered across Windsor Castle’s East Lawn as the King shook hands with the American president, with a simultaneous salute fired from the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company.
The sheer scale of the military presence was staggering: 1,300 members of the British armed forces, including 120 horses, were involved. Personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army, and Royal Air Force lined the private processional route, which wound past Frogmore Cottage and Frogmore House once the residence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Eighty soldiers from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment formed the Sovereign’s Escort, accompanying five carriages carrying members of the Royal Family and U.S. delegation. Among the dignitaries in the procession were U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and several senior White House aides including Susie Wiles and Dan Scavino.
The King and President Trump led the procession in the Irish State Coach, followed by Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania in the Scottish State Coach. William and Kate shared a third carriage with U.S. Ambassador Warren Stephens and his wife.
The use of three State Colours those of the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, and Scots Guards was another first, underscoring the significance of the visit. National anthems were performed, and President Trump inspected a Guard of Honour led by Lieutenant Colonel Storm Green of the Coldstream Guards.
“It’s certainly the biggest state visit I’ve taken part in,” said Lt Col Green, noting the intense preparation and coordination behind the scenes. “Big events like this are about showing yourself, your organisation, and your country in the best possible light.”
Private Moments and Symbolic Tributes
Following the formal welcome, the Trumps were escorted inside for a viewing of specially selected artifacts from the Royal Collection relating to U.S.-UK history. They also paid respects to Queen Elizabeth II by laying a wreath at her tomb in St George’s Chapel, accompanied by music from the chapel choir.
Later, the East Lawn of Windsor Castle became the stage for a Beating Retreat ceremony, performed by 200 military musicians. This age-old tradition symbolises the end of the military day and featured a performance by the Duchess of Edinburgh’s String Orchestra.
In a powerful symbol of transatlantic military ties, a joint flypast by British and American F-35 fighter jets, including aircraft from RAF Marham and RAF Lakenheath, roared over Windsor. It marked the first time U.S. and UK aircraft had flown together during a state visit.
Evening State Banquet in St George’s Hall
Tonight, the President and First Lady will be the guests of honour at a white-tie state banquet in Windsor Castle’s grand St George’s Hall. The 160-person guest list includes diplomats, business leaders, and members of the Royal Family.
The King, known for his attention to detail, personally reviewed every element of the event in advance. The 55-metre table will be adorned with six glasses per guest, silver-gilt centrepieces, and floral arrangements sourced from the Windsor estate gardens.
The dress code requires tiaras and white tie for royal women, and national dress is also permitted. Speeches and toasts from both the King and President Trump will open the evening, followed by a musical performance and, in a nod to tradition, a procession of Scottish pipers to signal the banquet’s end.
Notably absent from the dinner are several prominent royals and political figures. The Duke of York, disgraced over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, has been excluded, and Princess Alexandra is no longer attending such events due to frailty. Lord Mandelson, sacked recently as U.S. ambassador, will not attend, nor will Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, who is boycotting the banquet in protest of Trump’s stance on Gaza.
Protests, Arrests, and Polarisation
Despite the grandeur, Trump’s visit has not been without controversy. Demonstrations erupted outside Windsor Castle and across London, with protesters accusing the government of using the occasion to secure a favourable trade deal with the U.S.
One activist held a banner reading “Oily Money Kills,” while another displayed a painting of Trump as a caveman. A projection of images linking Trump to Epstein appeared briefly on Windsor Castle before police intervened. Four people were arrested in connection with the incident.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski accused the government of “bribing” Trump with royal hospitality and called the event a disgrace. “Our country has a proud tradition of standing up for the underdog. Today, that means standing up to the bully Donald Trump and his poodle, Nigel Farage.”
By contrast, Trump supporters gathered in Windsor wearing “Make America Great Again” hats and waving U.S. flags. Martin Taylor, 44, said he was there to celebrate the “special relationship” between the two nations, calling the visit “the highlight of my year.”
Diplomatic Gains and Future Talks
Amid the pageantry, a significant diplomatic achievement was unveiled. Britain and the U.S. have signed a “Tech Prosperity Deal” that includes cooperation in artificial intelligence, nuclear power, and quantum computing. The agreement is supported by a £31 billion investment in the UK from major American tech firms, including a record £22 billion from Microsoft for AI infrastructure.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the agreement as a “step change” in the UK’s global economic relationships, promising growth, security, and opportunity.
President Trump will continue his visit tomorrow with a meeting at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country residence. There, he will be greeted with an air display by the Red Devils Parachute Team and a performance from RAF pipers.
Reflecting on his return to the UK, Trump spoke warmly about his ties to the country. “I love it. I love Turnberry, I love Aberdeen. This is a very special place,” he told reporters. “It’s a great honour to be back, and Windsor Castle it’s the ultimate.”
The visit, rich with symbolism and spectacle, offers both nations a moment to reaffirm old alliances while navigating a changing global political landscape. Whether hailed as a diplomatic triumph or condemned as a political misstep, it is undeniably one for the history books.
