IN WINDSOR
The British royal family has welcomed US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to Windsor with plenty of pomp and pageantry.
Around 12.10pm, the Trumps’ helicopter - escorted by a police chopper - was seen making its approach to Windsor. Upon landing, they were greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales, and then joined by the King and Queen.
A carriage procession through the private grounds of Windsor and toward the castle followed, kickstarting the regal events which will continue throughout the day.
Mr Trump travelled with the King in the first carriage, while the Queen was with Mrs Trump, and the Wales’ were in a third carriage with the US ambassador to the UK and his wife.
Other US dignitaries followed in their own carriages, with six in total.
At one point during the welcome on the castle grounds, a Lieutenant Colonel invited President Trump to inspect the guard.
He said: “Mr President, the guard of honour is present and ready for your inspection,” and began walking towards the awaiting guards with Mr Trump at his side.
King Charles also stepped down from the podium they had been standing on and trailed a pace or two behind them.
Observers on social media noted a certain awkwardness in the moment, with one saying: “Trump is walking in front of the King, power move. Biggly”.
Another wrote: “Donald #Trump walking in front of the King. I don’t think that is right.”
The town of Windsor has been gearing up for a day of pomp and pageantry as the royal family hosts US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
King Charles, aided by the Queen and Prince and Princess of Wales, is rolling out the red carpet over the next two days, with activities centred within the grounds of Windsor Castle, where the royals and the Trumps are staying.
Despite the fact it is all within the private royal property, there was a heavy police presence on the streets of Windsor ahead of the high-profile arrivals, with large protests expected.
A fortified barrier, dubbed the “steel shield”, is in place around most of the castle’s perimeter - showcasing a level of security never quite seen before at the castle, despite it playing host to countless dignitaries over the years.
The Trumps stayed in London last night at the 35-room Winfield House, a mansion in Regent’s Park.
Shortly before midday local time, the US couple departed the city by helicopter and began the short journey to Windsor, where the Prince and Princess of Wales were waiting to greet them.
An enormous media presence was established outside the castle’s gates from the early hours, with US, UK and international media camped out in their broadcast tents.
A crowd of a few hundred braved the chilly, drizzly weather to line the streets, which have been decorated with large American and British flags.
Some of the punters proudly displayed their Trump support, wearing bright red MAGA hats and waving their own flags and declaring they “love” the president. Others were there in fierce protest of the US visit, displaying their own signs and imagery.
Last night, ahead of the president’s arrival, images of him alongside deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were projected on Windsor Castle.
Four people were later arrested over the stunt.
Meanwhile, Mr Trump gushed over his friendship with the King and praised the UK as he landed at London’s Stansted Airport for his state visit late on Tuesday, describing the invitation as a “great honour”.
“My relationship is very good with the UK, and Charles, as you know, who’s now King, is my friend. It’s the first time this has ever happened where somebody was honoured twice. So, it’s a great honour,” the US leader told reporters.
He added of the King and Queen: “They’re friends of mine for a long time, long before he was King, and it’s an honour to have him as King. I think he represents the country so well, I’ve watched, he’s such an elegant gentleman.”
