President Donald Trump received a ceremonial welcome fit for royalty Wednesday as he and First Lady Melania Trump arrived at Windsor Castle for a historic second state visit to the United Kingdom.
Marine One landed on the castle grounds shortly before noon, where Prince William and Princess Catherine greeted the president and first lady before escorting them to meet King Charles III and Queen Camilla. In a light moment captured on cameras, Trump shook Prince William's hand and patted him on the shoulder before turning to Kate and saying, "You're beautiful, so beautiful."
The president's arrival set in motion a full display of British pageantry. The Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry performed "The Star-Spangled Banner," while 120 horses and 1,300 military servicemen took part in the ceremonial procession. The event culminated in a joint flypast of UK and US F-35 fighter jets. "The joint flypast by UK and US F-35 aircraft is a demonstration of the strength of the UK-US defense and security relationship," Britain's defense ministry said.
King Charles will host a state luncheon for the Trumps in the castle's State Dining Room before presiding over a lavish banquet Wednesday evening, where more than 150 dignitaries, royals, and business leaders are expected to attend. Trump has also extended an invitation to former British Ambassador to the US Dame Karen Pierce.
The president's two-day visit marks the first time a U.S. leader has been granted a second official state visit. Trump first met the late Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle in 2019, an occasion he has frequently cited as one of the highlights of his presidency. He is expected to lay a wreath at the late monarch's tomb in St. George's Chapel during this trip.
Security operations around Windsor and London have been intensified, with Thames Valley Police coordinating the UK's largest security effort since King Charles's coronation in May 2023.
On Thursday, Trump will meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the prime minister's country retreat, though Parliament is in recess, so there will be no address to lawmakers. Meanwhile, Melania Trump and Princess Catherine will make a joint appearance at Frogmore Gardens with Chief Scout Dwayne Fields and children from the Scouts' Squirrels program.
Kate wore a maroon Emilia Wickstead dress and a Jane Taylor hat, accented with a brooch once belonging to Princess Diana, in what royal commentators described as a symbolic gesture linking past and present.
