Donald Trump and First Lady Melania arrived in the United Kingdom late Tuesday for a significant two-day state visit, during which the US president will be welcomed by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, followed by discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The state visit, the second by a US president, occurs as the British government aims to demonstrate the enduring trans-Atlantic relationship through a multibillion-dollar technology agreement, despite disagreements regarding Ukraine, the Middle East, and the direction of the Western alliance.
It also includes horse-drawn carriages, military honor guards, and a sparkling feast held inside a 1,000-year-old castle for the Trumps.
"This is the first time ever that someone has received recognition twice. It's a significant honor. And this took place at Windsor, which has not been used for this purpose before; typically, it's Buckingham Palace," Trump stated, referring to it as 'a great honor' when he arrived.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will welcome the Trumps at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, followed by discussions on Thursday with Starmer at Chequers, the UK leader's countryside residence.
As per the office of the British Prime Minister, the visit aims to highlight that "the UK-US relationship is the strongest globally, rooted in 250 years of history"—despite the tense period in 1776—and united by common principles of "faith in the rule of law and free markets."
And the White House anticipates that the two nations will enhance their ties throughout the visit and commemorate the approaching 250th anniversary of the establishment of the United States, as stated by senior officials from the White House.
Trump, the initial U.S. president to receive a second state visit from the UK
The unique aspect of the invitation, combined with the anticipation of grand celebration and ceremony, offers a double attraction for Trump. The American president has positively commended the late Queen, Elizabeth II.
He has also mentioned how his mother, who was born in Scotland, had a deep affection for the queen and the monarchy. British officials state that Trump will make a private visit to the Queen's resting place.
As he departed the White House on Tuesday, Trump mentioned that during his previous state visit, he was entertained at Buckingham Palace, but this time he will be hosted in Windsor by King Charles.
I don't want to claim one is superior to the other, but it's often stated that Windsor Castle is the pinnacle," Trump remarked. He referred to King Charles as "a refined gentleman," adding that "he embodies the nation very well.
However, despite the anticipated mix of 21st-century diplomacy and royal ceremony, the visit is facing criticism in the UK.
Activists protest Trump's visit
On Tuesday, demonstrators assembled for a protest before Trump's visit to Windsor, with four individuals being taken into custody after images of the US president were projected onto the royal Windsor Castle alongside sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Before the visit, activists stated they would demonstrate against what they described as "our government's decision to recognize a person who is breaching human rights in the United States and globally."
Although Mr. Trump is not scheduled to visit Parliament, the House of Commons will be closed for a party conference session on Wednesday, and members of the Stop Trump Coalition will gather in Portland Place, located in the center of London, before proceeding to Parliament Square.
Nevertheless, the schedule in Windsor and at Chequers, both located far from London, will ensure Trump remains distant from a scheduled large-scale demonstration against his visit.
Ukraine and Gaza featured on the agenda
In the meantime, British Prime Minister Starmer, who has already demonstrated his ability to charm Trump, mentioned the US president's choices in decorating the Oval Office in February and his decision to showcase a bust of Winston Churchill. During Trump's private visit to Scotland in July, Starmer went there and commended Trump's golf courses.
Both leaders are anticipated to finalize agreements on nuclear energy, enhance collaboration in defense technology, and investigate methods to strengthen relationships between the US and its financial centers.
Starmer has also tried to leverage his authority to keep US backing for Ukraine, but with only modest results.
Although Trump has shown dissatisfaction towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, he has not followed through on promises to enact additional sanctions against Russia for avoiding peace talks.
European NATO allies strongly criticized Russia's drone attack on Poland, a NATO member, last week and pledged more planes and soldiers to reinforce the alliance's eastern front. Trump minimized the event, stating it "could have been an error."
Starmer also diverges from Trump regarding Israel's conflict in Gaza, and has stated that the UK will officially recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations later this month, a move that contrasts sharply with US policy on Israel.