After a royal reception and intense protests in the streets of London, King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed Donald Trump and his wife Melania to Windsor Castle for a state dinner.

The King, in his speech, spoke of the enduring bond between the United Kingdom and the United States, describing the relationship as unique and important, with roots dating back to two World Wars and long-standing trade cooperation. Referring to the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, he noted that it is impressive how far we have come, while not forgetting to joke that British soil is home to excellent golf courses.

Charles also spoke about the two countries' common struggle against tyranny, as well as the current coalition in support of Ukraine. He also referred to the Aukus agreement on submarines, which was signed during the Biden presidency.

A significant privilege for me to visit

For his part, Donald Trump described his second state visit to the United Kingdom as one of the greatest privileges of his life, emphasizing his respect for the King and the country. He joked that he hopes to remain the only American president to have made two state visits.

He praised Charles' commitment to preserving the Kingdom's unique identity, while also sharing a lighter moment from the event:"I greeted about 150 people in line and the King knew every name and every company. Some had names that were incomprehensible, but he wasn't confused - or at least it seemed that way, because no one complained."

The impressive reception

The ceremony included a procession of carriages and mounted soldiers from the Mounted Guard Regiment, flanked by members of the Armed Forces from all three services: the Royal Navy, the Air Force (RAF) and the Army. Shortly afterwards, President Trump inspected the Guard of Honour after the national anthems of both countries were played.

The draconian security measures have caused a sensation. Armed police patrol the streets around Windsor Castle 24 hours a day. Armed vehicles are on standby to act if they receive a relevant order. Drones, dogs, mounted police and marines patrol the River Thames, both on water and underwater.

Christian Budd, the assistant police chief, said on Monday that preparations are being reviewed and revised continuously. He stressed that due to the nature of the visit, security measures have been set with a view to addressing the threat for very high-level visits.   We are constantly reviewing our approach to these operations. We do this on a daily basis, throughout the planning phase, said Mr. Budd. I am very satisfied that we have planned a very comprehensive policing and security operation that has taken into account almost every eventuality that could occur, the assistant police chief noted meaningfully. At the same time, the American president will be accompanied throughout his visit by a motorcade of vehicles that came from the United States. These include an armored limousine named The Beast.

Police are also monitoring social media and checking what is being written online, according to a statement. The aim is, among other things, to check information that could cause problems at protests planned both in the Windsor Castle area and in London.

Melania's viral hat

The arrival of the Trump couple at Windsor Castle  did not go unnoticed, not only because of the protocol but mainly because of her impressive – and controversial – hat.

Just as at her husband's inauguration, when she had chosen to hide her face under a huge, low-brimmed hat, so now, the First Lady of the United States again chose a similar hat that almost completely covered her features.

The result? In the first images broadcast by the BBC, Kate Middleton, tall and elegant as always, was essentially chatting with Melania's... hat, while Queen Camilla, due to her height, was able to look her in the eye more easily under the imposing visor.

Melania has deployed the big hat https://t.co/EEkczY67gd

— JgaltTweets (@JgaltTweets) September 17, 2025

This choice is a clear statement: a symbol of secrecy, a stylistic wall that keeps distance, hiding glances and turning every public appearance of Melania into a small theatrical event.