President Donald Trump begins his second state visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday, marking a rare diplomatic gesture extended to a sitting U.S. leader. Hosted at Windsor Castle by King Charles III, the visit blends royal pageantry with high-stakes political dialogue as Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to solidify transatlantic ties amid contentious trade negotiations and global security concerns.
What to Know:
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have been formally welcomed at Windsor Castle by King Charles and Queen Camilla
The day includes a military parade, carriage procession, and a state banquet in St. George’s Hall
Trump will lay a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb in St. George’s Chapel
A giant image of Trump with Jeffrey Epstein was projected onto the castle walls, prompting arrests and renewed scrutiny
The visit follows Trump’s 2019 state trip, which drew widespread protests
Trade, tariffs, and Ukraine are central to Thursday’s bilateral talks between Trump and Starmer
Tensions may arise over issues like Palestinian statehood and free speech
Peter Mandelson was dismissed as U.K. ambassador days before the visit due to Epstein-related controversy
Stay with Newsweek for live updates.
08:13 AM EDT
Trump welcomed with largest military ceremony ever staged for a visiting leader in the U.K.
President Donald Trump’s arrival at Windsor Castle was marked by the most expansive military pageantry ever assembled for a foreign leader in Britain. The ceremony featured 1,300 personnel and 120 horses, with troops drawn from across the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army, and Royal Air Force.
As King Charles III greeted Trump on the East Lawn, a 41-round gun salute echoed across Windsor—and simultaneously from the Tower of London, 20 miles away. The carriage procession through the estate was flanked by 80 soldiers from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, forming the Sovereign’s escort. The Life Guards wore red tunics with white-plumed helmets, while the Blues and Royals donned blue uniforms with red feathered headgear.
The route, closed to the public for security reasons, was lined by 22 half-companies representing all branches of the armed forces. Inside the castle’s Quadrangle, Trump was met with the largest guard of honor ever staged for a state visit, each regiment bearing its official colors in a display of military precision and ceremonial grandeur.
08:00 AM EDT
Reception comes to a close
The reception for President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump has concluded.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are now hosting the Trumps to lunch in Windsor Castle.
US First Lady Melania Trump, US President Donald Trump, Britain’s King Charles III and Britain’s Queen Camilla during a Ceremonial Welcome in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on September 17, 2025, during the…
US First Lady Melania Trump, US President Donald Trump, Britain’s King Charles III and Britain’s Queen Camilla during a Ceremonial Welcome in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on September 17, 2025, during the US President’s second State Visit.
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Chris Jackson/Getty Images
07:54 AM EDT
What to know so far about Trump’s arrival in Windsor
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump landed at Windsor Castle aboard Marine One, where they were welcomed by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales. The arrival marked the beginning of a day steeped in royal tradition and diplomatic symbolism.
The presidential couple joined the royal family for a carriage tour of the estate, with Trump and King Charles riding together in the Irish State Coach. At the same time, Queen Camilla and Melania Trump followed in the Scottish State Coach. The procession route was lined with armed forces personnel and accompanied by three military bands performing the U.S. and British national anthems.
At the castle’s quadrangle, a formal honor guard was presented and inspected by Trump and the king. The group then entered Windsor Castle for a private lunch in the State Dining Room and viewed a curated selection of U.S.-related artifacts from the Royal Collection in the Green Drawing Room.
07:49 AM EDT
Trump inspects honor guard at Windsor without protocol misstep
President Donald Trump is currently inspecting the honor guard at Windsor Castle, a key moment in the ceremonial welcome for his second state visit to the United Kingdom. The inspection is proceeding smoothly, in contrast to his 2019 visit when Trump briefly walked ahead of Queen Elizabeth II—an action widely reported as a breach of royal protocol.
At the time, palace officials clarified that no rules had been broken, noting that guests are often encouraged to lead during troop reviews. Today’s inspection alongside King Charles III appears more coordinated, with both leaders moving in step as they review the assembled regiments.
07:44 AM EDT
Guard of honor greets Trump at Windsor Castle
The scene as President Donald Trump is greeted with a special ceremony during his state visit to the UK.
The scene as President Donald Trump is greeted with a special ceremony during his state visit to the UK.
BBC News
President Donald Trump received a formal welcome at Windsor Castle today with a Guard of Honor representing the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, and Scots Guards—marking the first time all three state colors have been assembled for a visiting head of state.
The three regiments, each part of the Household Division, are known for their historic roles in royal and national defense.
07:41 AM EDT
Trump saluting during US national anthem
President Donald Trump salutes during the US national anthem at Windsor Castle.
President Donald Trump salutes during the US national anthem at Windsor Castle.
BBC News
07:38 AM EDT
Trump arrives at Windsor Castle for formal welcome ceremony
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have arrived at Windsor Castle by carriage, joining King Charles III and Queen Camilla on a ceremonial dais alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales. The arrival marks the centerpiece of the day’s royal pageantry, part of Trump’s unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom.
As the U.S. and British national anthems played across the castle grounds, a Guard of Honor prepared to deliver a Royal Salute. Trump and King Charles are set to inspect the troops before the royal couple escorts the Trumps into the castle for the next phase of the visit, which includes a private luncheon and a wreath-laying ceremony at St. George’s Chapel.
07:34 AM EDT
IN PICTURES: The scene in the UK
Armed forces personnel line the route ahead of the Carriage Procession, in Windsor, on September 17, 2025, during US President Donald Trump’s second State Visit to the UK.
ANDREW MATTHEWS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
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Britain’s Queen Camilla and US First Lady Melania Trump travel in The Scottish State Coach during a horse-drawn procession towards Windsor Castle in Windsor, on September 17, 2025, during a second State Visit.
Britain’s Queen Camilla and US First Lady Melania Trump travel in The Scottish State Coach during a horse-drawn procession towards Windsor Castle in Windsor, on September 17, 2025, during a second State Visit.
TOBY MELVILLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Britain’s King Charles III and US President Donald Trump travel in The Irish State Coach during a horse-drawn procession towards Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on September 17, 2025, during a second State Visit.
Britain’s King Charles III and US President Donald Trump travel in The Irish State Coach during a horse-drawn procession towards Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on September 17, 2025, during a second State Visit.
TOBY MELVILLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
07:33 AM EDT
Muted arrival in Windsor as Trump begins state visit behind closed gates
From Jack Royston, Newsweek reporter on the ground in Windsor
Donald Trump arrived into an overcast and strangely muted Windsor where the route of his upcoming carriage procession is—unusually for royal pageantry—out of bounds to the public behind cast iron gates and security barriers.
Soldiers, rather than royalists, will line the route and even the protesters who oppose his arrival on U.K. soil were not present in significant number, many no doubt choosing London as a better location to express their views.
A Chinook helicopter was the first sign of Trump’s arrival followed by two helicopters both resembling Marine One, no doubt helping to make life difficult for any would be attackers.
And with the President safely ensconced behind the castle walls, the royal charm offensive has begun in earnest.
07:31 AM EDT
Trump and King Charles begin ceremonial carriage procession at Windsor
The royal carriage in which King Charles III and President Donald Trump are travelling around the Windsor estate.
The royal carriage in which King Charles III and President Donald Trump are travelling around the Windsor estate.
BBC News
President Donald Trump and King Charles III have departed on a formal carriage procession through the Windsor estate, riding together in the Irish State Coach—a historic vehicle traditionally used by Queen Elizabeth II for the State Opening of Parliament. Crafted in Ireland, the coach features dark brown panels adorned with golden scrollwork and a gilded roof, offering shelter from the light rain falling over Berkshire.
The procession is escorted by 80 soldiers from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, divided into four units and carrying the regimental flags of the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals. The Life Guards are dressed in red tunics with white-plumed helmets, while the Blues and Royals wear blue uniforms topped with red-feathered headgear.
07:28 AM EDT
Why is Trump in England?
(L-R) Catherine, Princess of Wales and William, Prince of Wales receive US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025 in Windsor, England.
(L-R) Catherine, Princess of Wales and William, Prince of Wales receive US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025 in Windsor, England.
Aaron Chown/Getty Images
President Donald Trump is in England for a rare second state visit, a diplomatic overture extended by King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer aimed at reinforcing U.S.-U.K. ties amid global uncertainty. The visit is centered at Windsor Castle.
The invitation carries personal and political weight. In 1988, Trump hosted then-Prince Charles at Mar-a-Lago, and this week’s events—including a carriage procession, wreath-laying at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb, and a state banquet—echo that early connection. British officials see the visit as a way to engage a president whose foreign policy has challenged postwar norms.
Prime Minister Starmer, seeking to build rapport with Trump early in his second term, hopes the royal backdrop will ease negotiations on trade, tech investment, and nuclear energy. Thursday’s agenda includes meetings at Chequers with business leaders and a joint press conference. While the royals avoid politics, the diplomatic stakes remain high, with unresolved tensions over Ukraine and lingering controversy surrounding former U.K. ambassador Peter Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
07:24 AM EDT
Trump welcomed by King Charles and Queen Camilla at Windsor
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were formally received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla outside Victoria House on Wednesday morning, marking the ceremonial start of the president’s second state visit to the United Kingdom.
The arrival was accompanied by a performance from the Household Cavalry band, whose musicians wore ornate state dress uniforms originally designed in the 1600s and woven with pure gold thread.
Following the greeting, the royal and presidential parties are expected to board horse-drawn carriages for a procession through the Windsor estate, continuing a day of pageantry ahead of diplomatic meetings scheduled for Thursday.
07:22 AM EDT
Trump arrives at Windsor, meets with the royals
President Donald Trump and the British royals at Windsor.
BBC News
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greeted by Prince William and Princess Catherine at Windsor Castle.
BBC News
07:21 AM EDT
Royal optics and public dissent shape Trump’s state visit
Ingrid Seward, royal biographer and author of My Mother and I, described Trump’s visit as “high stakes,” noting that “the frill on the frock is the royalty” when speaking to Newsweek. She expects Queen Camilla to attend all scheduled events despite recent illness, adding, “Sinusitis is very painful but I think she’ll just drug herself up and get through the day.”
Public sentiment in Windsor remains divided. Tim Miles, 62, stood near the castle gates wearing a red “Make America Go Away” hat, voicing strong opposition to the visit. “He’s making enough of a mess of his own country,” Miles told Newsweek. “I don’t see why anyone should invite him anywhere else.” His remarks reflect broader unease surrounding the optics of hosting Trump, even as the royal family maintains its traditional role in state diplomacy.
07:20 AM EDT
Trump arrives at Windsor Castle amid uncertain weather for planned flypast
President Donald Trump has landed at Windsor Castle by helicopter after departing from Winfield House, the official residence of the U.S. ambassador in London. The arrival marks the start of a full day of ceremonial and diplomatic engagements with King Charles III.
Skies over Berkshire remain overcast with light drizzle, casting doubt on the feasibility of a scheduled joint flypast later today. The aerial display, featuring the Red Arrows and F-35 fighter jets from both British and American forces, is intended as a symbolic gesture of military partnership. Officials have confirmed the flyover will proceed only if weather conditions improve.
07:18 AM EDT
IN PICTURES: King Charles ahead of Trump’s arrival
King Charles III (right) ahead of the arrival of US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle in Windsor, Berkshire, on day one of their second state visit to the UK.
King Charles III (right) ahead of the arrival of US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle in Windsor, Berkshire, on day one of their second state visit to the UK.
Press Association via AP Images
07:14 AM EDT
UK launches largest security operation in years for Trump state visit
British authorities have activated an expansive security operation ahead of Trump’s state visit, marking the most extensive protective deployment since King Charles III’s coronation in 2023. The multi-agency effort includes aerial surveillance via drones, sniper teams, mounted patrols, and marine units along the River Thames.
The heightened precautions follow recent incidents of political violence in the U.S., including the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and a prior assassination attempt targeting Trump. Officials say these events have intensified threat assessments and prompted tighter control over all physical and aerial access points.
Trump arrived in London on Tuesday evening and will be hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. Thursday’s agenda includes closed-door talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the prime minister’s country estate.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that all events will be held within secured private grounds, with no public-facing appearances, per The New York Times. Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt stressed the absence of public access. At the same time, former royal protection officer Simon Morgan noted that planners are “doubling down” to eliminate any potential vantage points for attacks.
To reinforce local forces, armed officers from across England and Wales—where firearm authorization remains rare—have been deployed to support the operation.
07:11 AM EDT
Queen Camilla to attend Trump state visit despite health concerns
Queen Camilla will participate in Wednesday’s state events at Windsor Castle as U.S. President Donald Trump begins his second official visit to the United Kingdom, Buckingham Palace confirmed. Her attendance had been uncertain following her abrupt withdrawal from the funeral of the Duchess of Kent on Tuesday due to acute sinusitis.
The Queen, who had recently returned from Scotland, opted to rest at Windsor Castle ahead of the demanding diplomatic schedule. Palace officials expressed “great regret” over her absence from the Requiem Mass. Still, they emphasized her intention to support King Charles throughout the visit, which includes a formal welcome, private luncheon, and a state banquet.
07:04 AM EDT
Helicopters seen in sky over London as Trump departs
It looks like President Trump has departed London for Windsor.
Helicopters believed to be carrying President Donald Trump to Windsor Castle.
Helicopters believed to be carrying President Donald Trump to Windsor Castle.
BBC News
06:58 AM EDT
The scene in Windsor ahead of Trump visit
It is raining in Windsor as the ancient town west of London prepares to receive President Trump.
Much of the state visit will happen in private to ensure the security of Trump and other high-profile people, and to neutralize the threat of mass protests derailing what the British government hopes is—and needs to be—a smooth and positive event.
Still, a number of protesters and supporters are there in the wet weather to greet Trump.
A supporter of US President Donald Trump reacts outside Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on September 17, 2025, during US President Donald Trump’s second State Visit to the UK.
A supporter of US President Donald Trump reacts outside Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on September 17, 2025, during US President Donald Trump’s second State Visit to the UK.
PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
A demonstrator wearing an anti-Trump t-shirt, while holding a banner as they protest near Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on September 17, 2025, during US President Donald Trump’s second State Visit to the UK.
A demonstrator wearing an anti-Trump t-shirt, while holding a banner as they protest near Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on September 17, 2025, during US President Donald Trump’s second State Visit to the UK.
PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
A person holds a banner reading ‘Trump, Make America Great Again’ near Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on September 17, 2025, during US President Donald Trump’s second State Visit to the UK.
A person holds a banner reading ‘Trump, Make America Great Again’ near Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on September 17, 2025, during US President Donald Trump’s second State Visit to the UK.
PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
06:49 AM EDT
What time is Donald Trump due at Windsor Castle?
President Donald Trump arrived in the U.K. at London Stansted Airport on Tuesday evening, but the state visit begins in earnest on Wednesday.
Trump stayed overnight at the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Winfield House, Regent’s Park, London.
According to the White House, Trump is due to arrive at Windsor Castle with First Lady Melania Trump to be greeted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at 12:20 p.m. BST (7:20 a.m. ET).
Prince William and Princess Catherine will be there for the ceremonial welcome of Trump, BBC News reported, which will include a gun salute, military inspection, and a carriage ride within the Windsor Castle estate.