Britain will stage one of its most lavish welcomes in modern memory on Wednesday as U.S. President Donald Trump begins his unprecedented second state visit, with royal pageantry framing high-stakes diplomatic talks and lingering questions over Jeffrey Epstein casting a shadow.
King Charles and the royal family will greet Trump and First Lady Melania at Windsor Castle, where a carriage procession, gun salutes, a flypast by military aircraft, and a state banquet are planned.
Officials say it will be the largest ceremonial welcome for a visiting head of state in living memory.
Trump, who has long expressed admiration for Britain’s royals, has openly celebrated the occasion, writing earlier this year on Truth Social: “I love King Charles.” The U.S. president is the first elected politician to be hosted by a British monarch for two state visits.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is hoping to harness the spectacle to strengthen the “special relationship” with Washington, attract U.S. investment, and address thorny global issues.
The two leaders are expected to discuss trade, tariffs, Ukraine, and energy cooperation, building on recent announcements including a major Google investment and new nuclear agreements.
“Basically I’m there also on trade,” Trump said before departing Washington. “They want to see if they can refine the trade deal a little bit… and we’ll talk to them.”
For the royals, the day will be steeped in symbolism. Prince William and Princess Kate will welcome the Trumps before King Charles and Queen Camilla join them for the procession.
The couple will also view U.S.-related artifacts from the Royal Collection and visit St George’s Chapel, where Trump will lay a wreath at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II, who hosted his first state visit in 2019.
Security is tight, with 1,600 officers deployed in London to manage protests by the “Stop the Trump Coalition” and additional police securing Windsor.
Despite sharp contrasts between Trump and Charles, the king’s decades-long commitment to environmental causes and interfaith dialogue versus Trump’s more combative political style, experts say the monarch will play the role of consummate host.
“If it goes well, I think this will go down as the most consequential event in his reign,” historian Anthony Seldon noted.
On Thursday, the focus shifts to Chequers, Starmer’s country residence, where talks will turn to geopolitics, including Ukraine, Gaza, and trade.
The prime minister hopes the royal glow of the visit will help deflect attention from domestic controversies, particularly the sacking of former U.S. ambassador Peter Mandelson over his ties to Epstein, an issue that could prove sensitive for both leaders.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
