The second state visit unfolds as the UK aims to bolster its ties with the Trump administration.
LONDON—U.S. President Donald Trump kicked off his two-day state visit to the UK on September 17 with a meeting at Windsor Castle with members of the royal family.
Arriving around noon, the president and First Lady were greeted with a ceremonial display that could only be described as quintessentially British.
This visit takes place as the UK looks to strengthen relations with the Trump administration, revisit a recently signed trade deal, address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and expand cooperation in sectors like nuclear energy and artificial intelligence.
Upon their arrival, the couple was welcomed by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, before receiving formal greetings from King Charles and Queen Camilla. A royal salute echoed from the East Lawn of Windsor Castle and the Tower of London to mark the occasion.
Before departing for the UK on September 16, Trump referred to King Charles as “my friend,” highlighting a long-standing personal relationship.
“He’s such an elegant gentleman, and he represents the country so well,” Trump remarked about the king.
Lavish Windsor Castle Ceremony
The welcome ceremony progressed with a carriage procession through the scenic Windsor estate, with Trump riding alongside the king, while the queen, First Lady Melania Trump, and the Prince and Princess of Wales followed in separate carriages.
The procession was flanked by members of the British military, with military bands performing both the U.S. and British national anthems. As the carriages made their way around the gravel path, “The Star-Spangled Banner” was played, followed by “God Save the King.”
Upon reaching the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle, the guests were met by a guard of honor comprising the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, and Scots Guards—a first for such an event, as typically only one state color is displayed, according to Buckingham Palace.
The pipes and drums rendered a royal salute and played both anthems. Trump was then invited to inspect the guard of honor, where he and King Charles were seen engaging in light-hearted conversation while reviewing the troops.
After the ceremony, the king and queen welcomed their guests into the castle for lunch in the State Dining Room.
Post-lunch, they viewed a special exhibition in the Green Drawing Room, showcasing items from the royal collection that relate to the United States. The afternoon included a visit to St. George’s Chapel, where they laid a private wreath at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II.
Later, the Trumps joined the king and queen, along with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife, for a military ceremony on the castle’s East Lawn, concluding with a flyover by the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.
That evening, the royal family hosted a state banquet in honor of the president and the first lady, who spent the night at Windsor Castle.
Trump’s previous state visit to the UK occurred in 2019 during his first term, when he was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. This time, the royal family has chosen Windsor Castle for the Trumps’ stay due to ongoing renovations at Buckingham Palace.
Second Day of Visit
On Thursday, Trump is slated to hold a bilateral meeting with Starmer, followed by a business reception and a press conference.
“This historic second state visit is set to highlight and renew the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom,” a senior U.S. official stated during a call to preview the trip. “At the same time, the visit will recognize and celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.”
Trump’s delegation includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Ambassador Warren Stephens, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
The visit will focus on enhancing cooperation in science and technology, civilian nuclear power, defense technology, and reinforcing ties between the financial hubs of both nations, as noted by the official.
A nuclear energy deal expected to be announced during the bilateral meeting aims to “achieve full independence from Russian nuclear fuel by 2028,” according to another senior U.S. official.
On September 16, both nations finalized a technology pact that promises $42 billion in investments from U.S. tech giants into the UK’s AI infrastructure.
Under the “Tech Prosperity Deal,” the countries will collaborate on advancing AI, quantum computing, and nuclear technology.
Before his departure, Trump noted the UK’s desire to refine the trade deal signed on June 16, saying, “They want to see if they can refine the trade deal a little bit. We made a deal, and it’s a great deal, and I’m into helping them.”
In London, small protests against Trump’s visit were reported.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, penned an op-ed criticizing Trump’s remarks about the capital, stating: “We must also tell President Trump and his supporters to stop talking down and denigrating our great capital city. London is a global success story, no matter how much he wants to pretend otherwise. It’s open, dynamic and safer than every US state in terms of homicide rates.”
During a prior trip to the UK in July, Trump had remarked that Khan had “done a terrible job” in London.
In June 2019, ahead of Trump’s first state visit to the UK, he suggested that Khan “should focus on crime in London” instead of him.
Chris Summers contributed to this report.
If you found this article interesting, please consider supporting traditional journalism
Our first edition was published 25 years ago from a basement in Atlanta. Today, The Epoch Times brings fact-based, award-winning journalism to millions of Americans.
Our journalists have faced threats, arrests, and assaults, yet our commitment to independent journalism remains steadfast. This year marks our 25th anniversary of reporting free from corporate and political influence.
That’s why you’re invited to a limited-time introductory offer — just $1 per week — to join millions already celebrating independent news.
