Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK began with a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle on 17th September, 2025. King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Catherine greeted him and the first lady, Melania Trump — an encounter heavy with tradition and symbolism. The couple had spent the night at Winfield House in London before helicoptering to Windsor aboard Marine One.
Royal Welcome
William and Catherine greeted the Trumps themselves in the Walled Garden (a warm touch that would characterize the day). A carriage procession through the castle grounds, displaying royal pageantry, followed. The welcome was cemented with a full state reception, an extravaganza of pomp and pageantry that caught the attention of the world.
A Rare Invitation
This visit was unprecedented because Trump is the first elected political figure in modern history to be entertained twice by the British monarchy. His first state visit was in 2019, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. King Charles reissuing the invitation is a sign of respect, continuity and strong ties between two MONARCHY countries.
Ceremony and Tribute
Trump went to Green Drawing Room where he was shown treasures from the Royal Collection and then en route to a service at St. George’s Chapel with King Charles and Queen Camilla. The mood of the event was deepened by a children’s choir. Among the most striking moments was when Trump laid a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb, a gesture that paid homage to her legacy while also serving as symbolic punctuation of continuity from past to present.
A Grand Display
It featured joint fly-pasts by U.S. and British jets, the largest guard of honor ever assembled in Britain, with 1,300 troops from all three services — the army, navy and air force — along with 120 horses. That overshadowing display underscored how much the British valued this state visit.
Protests in London
Television news said 9,000 police officers had been called on to prevent trouble at the events held in Windsor and London which saw loud protests against Trump in both towns. Protesters waved anti-Trump signs alongside the Palestinian flag. The “Stop Trump” campaign put together a march to Parliament, and the stark contrast here between royal celebration and public dissent was revealed.
Political Engagement Ahead
There’s more to Trump’s visit than royal ceremonies. He is scheduled to sit down with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers for a meeting to discuss U.S.-UK relations, followed by an outdoor press conference. This this meeting expected to constitute the political heart of his UK visit.
Historical Significance
The visit is taking place as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, adding further symbolic heft to it. It bolstered the historical and cultural relations of the two countries, as well as underscored their common political, economic and diplomatic interests.
Trump’s 2025 UK state visit was a splendid and controversial affair. It celebrated the enduring links between the U.S. and Britain, invoked history, and provided a stage for future cooperation between two of Washington’s closest allies.
