Donald Trump touched down in the United Kingdom on Monday for his second official state visit, arriving to a carefully choreographed mix of royal tradition, politics, and business.
Speaking before boarding Air Force One, the US president called the trip “an honour” and emphasised: “My relationship is very good with the UK.”
He added that Britain was looking to adjust its trade agreement with Washington and that he was “into helping them.”
His arrival coincided with the unveiling of a £31 billion technology investment package from American companies, including £22 billion from Microsoft, focusing on AI, quantum computing, and nuclear power.
Trump stressed that the highlight of his visit would be time with King Charles, describing him as “my friend” and “such an elegant gentleman.”
After landing at Stansted Airport, he was greeted by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper before heading to Winfield House, the US ambassador’s residence, where he spent the night.
On Wednesday, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will join King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Catherine at Windsor Castle for a lavish day of pageantry.
The programme will feature a gun salute, military review, and a horse-drawn carriage procession through the estate.
The schedule culminates in a state banquet at St George’s Hall, where both the King and the president will give speeches.
In a display of military ties, 1,300 troops from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will form the largest guard of honour ever staged for a visiting head of state, followed by a flypast of F-35 jets and the Red Arrows, viewed by Trump and Sir Keir Starmer.
While pageantry will dominate headlines, Downing Street also hopes to steer discussions toward trade, NATO commitments, and support for Ukraine. Some issues, however, remain unresolved, including the removal of the 25% US tariff on British steel.
An additional US–UK agreement on nuclear energy development will also be signed.
Not everyone has welcomed the occasion. Protesters have already gathered in Windsor, projecting giant images of Trump and Jeffrey Epstein onto the castle walls.
Police confirmed four arrests over the unauthorized display, stressing the seriousness of security breaches near the royal residence.
The visit, which concludes Thursday afternoon, is being carried out almost entirely behind closed doors, with events confined to Windsor Castle and Chequers.
Though US flags line Windsor’s high street, Trump will not see them himself, as all appearances are taking place within secure estates.
