U.S. President Donald Trump has formally begun his unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom, with royal pageantry providing a striking backdrop to crucial diplomatic discussions.
King Charles III and the royal family rolled out the red carpet for Trump at Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. The ceremonial welcome included a carriage procession, gun salutes, a military flypast, and a lavish banquet, marking what Britain described as the largest military ceremonial welcome for a state visit in living memory.
U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump disembark Air Force One as they arrive for their state visit to Britain, at London Stansted Airport near London, Britain, September 16, 2025. REUTERS/Chris Radburn
An enthusiastic royal fan, Trump has expressed admiration for King Charles, describing him as “great” on social media. The president’s visit is seen as a historic occasion, not just as a rare second invitation by a British monarch but also as a key moment for strengthening U.S.-UK relations.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is leveraging the goodwill to deepen economic ties, secure billions in investment, discuss trade deals, and press the president on Ukraine. Several major announcements have already been made, including agreements involving Google and nuclear energy projects. “Basically I’m there also on trade… They’d like to see if they could get a little bit better deal, so we’ll talk to them,” Trump said upon leaving the White House.
U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are greeted by Viscount Henry Hood, representing Britain’s King Charles, as they arrive for their state visit to Britain, at London Stansted Airport near London, Britain, September 16, 2025. REUTERS/Chris Radburn TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
The first day of the visit focused heavily on ceremony. Trump and First Lady Melania were greeted by Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, before joining King Charles and Queen Camilla on a carriage procession through castle grounds lined by 1,300 service personnel. The president was shown historical items from the Royal Collection relating to the U.S., and he laid a wreath at St George’s Chapel, the resting place of Queen Elizabeth II, who hosted his first state visit in 2019. The day concluded with a military flypast and a state banquet, where both Charles and Trump delivered speeches.
Security was exceptionally tight, with thousands of officers deployed to manage protests and ensure the safety of the visiting delegation.
U.S. President Donald Trump boards Marine One upon arrival for his state visit to Britain, at London Stansted Airport near London, Britain, September 16, 2025. REUTERS/Chris Radburn
For King Charles, the visit presents a complex mix of emotions. While his priorities—environmental advocacy, interfaith dialogue, and Commonwealth support—differ sharply from Trump’s, the occasion provides the king with the highest level of global attention since his coronation. Historian Anthony Seldon commented, “I don’t think anyone could seriously make a case that President Trump and King Charles III are naturally aligned in their views on really anything at all. And yet expect the king to play a consummately professional role.”
The focus will shift on Thursday to Starmer’s Chequers residence, where discussions will centre on geopolitics. The prime minister hopes the positive royal reception will help divert attention from contentious issues, including free speech debates in the UK and the fallout from the dismissal of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington over ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump’s visit, combining historic ceremony with high-stakes diplomacy, is shaping up as a defining moment for both nations’ relationship.
