President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are receiving a full royal welcome on Wednesday from King Charles III during their
Trump arrived in London late Tuesday and said he loved being back in the United Kingdom, calling it a “very special place.” Asked if he had a message for Charles, he said the king was a longtime friend of his and well-respected.
The backdrop for day one is Windsor Castle, an almost 1,000-year-old royal residence with gilded interiors, crenelated towers and priceless artworks. A gigantic royal standard, the flag used for official celebration days, flew from the castle’s Royal Tower as the king and queen prepared for the Trumps to arrive by helicopter from London, where they spent Tuesday night at the U.S. ambassador’s residence.
Trump has described the invitation as “a great, great honor.”
On Thursday, who will tout a new U.K.-U.S. technology deal. The British government hopes the deal, and billions in investment from U.S. tech firms, will help show that the trans-Atlantic bond remains strong despite differences over Ukraine, the Middle East and the future of NATO.
No U.S. president, or any other world leader, has ever had the honor of a second U.K. state visit. That won’t be lost on a president who often describes his actions with superlatives and has made no secret of his fondness for Britain’s royals.
The day will begin when the king and Queen Camilla formally welcome the Trumps to Windsor Castle.
That will be followed by a horse-drawn carriage ride through the estate — almost 16,000 acres of farms, forest and open space that includes a one-time royal hunting ground, still home to 500 red deer.
Back at the castle, a military band will play “God Save the King” and “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Trump and the king inspect an honor guard of soldiers in traditional scarlet tunics and tall bearskin hats.
After a private lunch and a visit to an exhibit featuring documents and artwork that illustrate the ties between Britain and the U.S., a state banquet will follow.
Tiaras and medals will be on display as up to 160 guests gather around a long mahogany table set with 200-year-old silver to honor the president. Charles will deliver a speech, then the king and president will offer toasts.