Trump begins historic UK state visit with royal reception
President Donald Trump commenced his state visit to the U.K. by meeting with King Charles III at Windsor Castle. This historic visit marks the first time a sitting U.S. president has been hosted for two state visits by a British monarch, following his previous visit with the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2019. The president and first lady Melania Trump will partake in a state banquet with the royal family at Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening.
On Thursday, Trump is scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the prime minister’s official country residence in Aylesbury. A joint press conference is expected to take place before Trump heads back to the United States.
White House officials stated during a background call with reporters that the visit aims to emphasize the strong ties between the U.S. and the U.K. The trip is also intended to acknowledge and celebrate the forthcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
As part of the ceremonial welcome, Trump will be greeted by a joint U.S.-British flypast featuring F-35 fighter jets. Approximately 1,300 members of the British armed forces, accompanied by 120 horses, will participate in the elaborate welcome at Windsor Castle. The guard of honor at Windsor is set to be the largest ever organized for a state visit to the U.K.
Images of President Trump projected onto Windsor Castle by the group Led By Donkeys added a unique and modern twist to the traditional pomp and circumstance of the visit.
ABC News’ Michelle Stoddart, Hannah Demissie, and Zoe Magee provided valuable contributions to this report.
