Trump Welcomed by King Charles in Grand Windsor Ceremony/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump received a lavish royal welcome from King Charles III at Windsor Castle during his U.K. state visit. The visit featured historic pageantry, a state banquet, and talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Despite the pomp, tensions over Ukraine, Gaza, and trade cast a shadow over the diplomatic event.
Trump’s UK State Visit Quick Looks
- King Charles welcomed Trump with the largest UK state guard in decades.
- Trump rode in a gilded carriage with Charles through Windsor estate.
- State banquet at Windsor Castle showcased centuries-old royal silverware.
- 1,300 troops and 120 horses featured in military ceremonies.
- Joint UK-U.S. military flypast marked a first for a state visit.
- Thousands prepared to protest Trump’s visit in London.
- Sadiq Khan criticized Trump for fueling global division.
- Nvidia and OpenAI CEOs joined U.S. delegation with investment pledges.
- Trump and Starmer to discuss trade, Ukraine, and Gaza.
Deep Look
Royal Grandeur and Political Tension as Trump Visits the UK
WINDSOR, England — U.S. President Donald Trump was welcomed with the full splendor of royal tradition on Wednesday as King Charles III hosted him at Windsor Castle for his second state visit to the United Kingdom. The visit is intended to project strength in the trans-Atlantic alliance, even as differences over Ukraine, Gaza, and global trade loom in the background.
Trump became the first U.S. president — and the first world leader — to be granted two state visits by the U.K., underscoring his enduring influence on international politics.
Pageantry on Display
The day’s ceremonies showcased a spectacle rarely seen in modern times. Trump and King Charles rode together in the gilded Irish State Coach across Windsor’s sprawling estate, while First Lady Melania Trump accompanied Queen Camilla in the Scottish State Coach. Prince William and Princess Kate followed in a Semi-State Landau.
In the castle quadrangle, a massive guard of honor — the largest assembled for a state visit in decades — awaited the U.S. president. Soldiers from the Grenadier, Coldstream, and Scots Guards lined the parade ground in scarlet tunics and bearskin hats as the U.S. national anthem played. Trump saluted while Melania placed her hand on her chest.
After inspecting the troops, Trump and Charles returned to the dais for the lowering of state colors before retreating indoors for lunch in the State Dining Room.
Unprecedented Military Display
British officials described the ceremony as “unprecedented.” More than 1,300 troops and 120 horses took part in the pageantry, culminating in the first-ever joint U.K.-U.S. military flypast during a state visit. F-35 fighter jets from both nations roared overhead, symbolizing the strength of the long-standing defense partnership.
“The joint flypast demonstrates the depth of the UK-U.S. defense relationship,” Britain’s Ministry of Defence said.
A Sumptuous Banquet
The highlight of the day will be a white-tie banquet in Windsor Castle’s Waterloo Chamber. The historic mahogany table, which seats 160 guests, will be set with the royal family’s Grand Service — a 4,000-piece silver-gilt dining set commissioned by King George IV in 1811.
Hundreds of soldiers, gardeners, and palace staff have prepared for weeks to ensure the event runs flawlessly. Trump will dine alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla, and senior royals in a feast that blends modern diplomacy with centuries-old royal tradition.
Festive Mood and Local Reactions
In Windsor, American and British flags adorned lamp posts, while tourists flocked to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.
“You don’t get to see a president every day,” said Harry Law, 22, who traveled from Folkestone. “I still haven’t seen our prime minister.”
But not everyone celebrated. Protesters gathered near the castle Tuesday evening, chanting “Dump Trump” and projecting an image linking Trump to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein onto a castle tower. Police arrested four individuals in connection with the stunt.
Protests and Political Pushback
In London, more than 50 groups are expected to rally against Trump’s visit, with police deploying 1,600 officers across the city. Mayor Sadiq Khan, a long-time critic, said Trump’s policies and rhetoric have “fanned the flames of far-right politics worldwide.” Writing in The Guardian, Khan urged Londoners to speak out, warning that Trump’s actions “come straight out of the autocrat’s playbook.”
The friction between Trump and Khan dates back to Trump’s 2015 campaign pledge to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. Trump has called Khan “a nasty person” and accused him of failing Londoners.
Business and Technology Delegation
Accompanying Trump were some of America’s most powerful tech leaders, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Reports suggest both companies plan to unveil billions in U.K. data center investments during the visit.
The state visit is also expected to yield announcements on nuclear energy cooperation, advancements in life sciences, and expanded artificial intelligence partnerships.
Diplomatic Challenges: Ukraine and Gaza
Despite the pomp, difficult policy issues loom. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is scheduled to host Trump Thursday at Chequers, where the two leaders will discuss NATO, Ukraine, and Middle East policy.
Starmer has struggled to persuade Trump to maintain robust U.S. support for Ukraine. When a Russian drone recently entered Polish airspace, Trump downplayed the incident, saying it “could have been a mistake.”
The leaders also diverge on Gaza. Starmer has announced plans for the U.K. to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations later this month, a position Trump opposes.
Trade Negotiations Resume
Trade talks are another central agenda item. The U.K. is eager to secure improved terms with its largest single trading partner, which accounts for 18% of its total trade. Trump told reporters U.K. officials “want a little bit better deal,” confirming discussions would continue this week.
A trade agreement signed in May reduced U.S. tariffs on British autos and aerospace goods, but unresolved disputes remain over pharmaceuticals, steel, and aluminum.
Ceremony Meets Realpolitik
While the Windsor pageantry underscored the ceremonial bond between the United States and Britain, underlying tensions reveal the complexity of the relationship. For Trump, the visit offers both an opportunity to reinforce his image as a global statesman and a chance to press his own political and economic agenda. For King Charles and Prime Minister Starmer, it is a delicate balance between honoring tradition, showcasing alliance, and managing friction.
As the banquets conclude and protests unfold, the state visit stands as both a symbolic renewal of Anglo-American friendship and a stark reminder of the political differences shaping the future of Western cooperation.
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