Donald Trump and Melania to receive ceremonial welcome from King Charles on first full day of UK state visit: Live updates

by Rebecca English, Royal Editor at Windsor Castle

President Trump has made no secret of his admiration for King and the heir to the throne, having met them both several times previously.

He and the King have also exchanged letters, leading Trump to describe King Charles as a gracious and elegant man.

Similarly in December 2024, following a private sit down in Paris, the US leader described Prince William as a ‘good-looking guy’, ‘very handsome’ and said they had ‘great, great’ talks.

In advance of his arrival in London on Tuesday night the President also spoke of how much he was looking forward to the visit and of his admiration for the King.

He also couldn’t  help boasting about the extraordinary levels of pomp and pageantry being laid on for him by His Majesty, the British government and the military – and even appeared to claim that Windsor was being laid on for him as a venue for the first time ever.

There’s certainly one thing President Trump was right about – Windsor is special.

Boasting 1,000 years of history and walls studded with armour, military regalia, halbards and pikes, it’s an extraordinarily special location for a State Visit.

But no-one in the Royal Household was rushing to tell him that that President Macron of France had got there first less than eight weeks ago.

Historically, Queen Elizabeth also hosted several State Visits at the castle herself, although in recent years they have tended to be held at Buckingham Palace.

For the next couple of years the official royal residence in London is out of action for such large scale entertaining during the latter stages of major building works, however.

Coldstream Guard members rehearse ahead of Trump’s visit

Lieutenant Colonel Storm Green, a South African officer of the Coldstream Guards in the British Army, has said there are ‘nerves’ before commanding the guard of honour at Windsor Castle.

Lt Col Green will give the guard of honour’s commands during the ceremonies before inviting US President Donald Trump to inspect the troops.

He told the PA news agency:

There are some nerves but that sort of apprehension makes you feel alive and like it’s an important event, which it is. It’s certainly the biggest state visit that I’ve taken part in, so there’s been a bit more rehearsal than normal, slightly different movements and dimensions I suppose than usual.

So lots of rehearsal, lots of shining of kits, lots of discussion, lots of co-ordination behind the scenes, which luckily isn’t my role today because that’s definitely the most difficult bit of it, so plenty of preparation.

Big events like this, even if you have a small role, you obviously want to do it well and show yourself off, show your organisation off and show your country off in best possible light, so I’m keen to get it right.

He hasn’t yet showed his face, but the forthcoming arrival of Donald Trump has already sparked contrasting emotions in Windsor.

Protesters and pro-Trump supporters have headed to Berkshire where the US President will be formally welcomed by King Charles on his state visit later today.

Police have already arrested four people after images of Trump, Prince Andrew and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein were beamed onto Windsor Castle last night.

And today we’ve seen Trump fans and more people pointing our his own association with Epstein.

It is being reported that Donald Trump’s black limousine, known as the ‘Beast’, has left Winfield House, the US ambassador’s home in London.

It is often seen in the president motorcade which consists of more than a dozen vehicles including police outriders.

Also known as Cadillac One, the £1.2 million presidential limo is understood to have been on board Air Force One when it touched down in the UK yesterday.

It is unknown if President Trump was inside the vehicle when it was seen leaving Regent’s Park this morning. Trump and Melania are expected to arrive at Windsor Castle via helicopter.

See our graphic of the Beast below:

Broadcaster Piers Morgan has branded Sir Sadiq Khan as ‘tedious’ and ’embarrassing’ over his criticism of Donald Trump.

Morgan, who has previously described himself as a friend of the US President, made the remarks after Khan said Trump had ‘fanned the flames of the far-right’.

It comes ahead of a major protest in the capital against Trump’s state visit with more than 1,600 police officers deployed across London.

Nigel Farage has confirmed he will not meet Donald Trump during his UK state visit.

Asked by TalkTV whether he would see Trump in the next 48 hours, the Reform leader said: ‘No, sadly not’.

It comes after Farage was pictured in the Oval Office with Trump earlier this month after speaking at a congressional hearing in Washington.

I saw him a couple of weeks ago when I was in DC but I’ve not been invited to the dinner tonight. They thought it was more suitable to ask Ed Davey. Don’t ask me why, he’s boycotted it.

So no, I won’t be seeing him. But I did last night speak to Marco Rubio and I did last night speak to Scott Bessent, the Treasury Secretary. I mean, these guys have got big plans. We’re going to hear about big investments in Britain for Microsoft.

We’re gonna hear about nuclear deals, all of which is good, but it does make me wonder – why are we, ourselves, not pushing our own nuclear industry?

Here are the latest pictures from Windsor ahead of Donald Trump’s arrival in the town later this morning.

Protesters and pro-Trump supporters have been visiting the Berkshire town in the hours leading up to the President’s arrival.

A gigantic royal standard, which is used for royal celebration days, was flying from the Royal Tower of Windsor Castle on Wednesday morning.

Here are the latest pictures we can show you:

Led By Donkeys, the political campaign group, has appeared to take credit for a stunt which saw the face of paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein projected onto Windsor Castle.

In a post on Instagram, the group posted a picture of Epstein and Mr Trump with the caption: ‘Hey Donald, welcome to Windsor Castle.’

Yesterday evening, a video of several photos and clips of the disgraced financier and 79-year-old Mr Trump together over the years were displayed onto the brick walls.

The series of images was accompanied by a timeline, showing several pictures of the two as well as a note written by the President to Epstein in a copy of his book ‘Trump the Art of The Comeback’ which read: ‘To Jeff, you are the greatest.’

Images of Prince Andrew alongside Epstein, who was awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges when he died in jail in 2019, were also shone on the screen for passers by in the Berkshire town to see.

Thames Valley Police confirmed four adults were arrested on suspicion of malicious communication.

Keir Starmer was forced to abandon part of his ‘historic’ trade deal with the US on the eve of Donald Trump’s State visit.

Whitehall sources said months of lobbying had failed to persuade the White House to implement an agreement to slash tariffs on British steel exports to zero, despite one being announced.

The blow came as Mr Trump flew into the UK last night for his second State visit, after being hosted in 2019 at Buckingham Palace by Queen Elizabeth.

The US President said his trip would be focused on spending time with his ‘friend’ King Charles at Windsor Castle, whom he called an ‘elegant gentleman’.

But he was also willing to talk to Sir Keir about making the trade deal ‘a little bit better’.

Despite the warm words, the sources said it was now clear that the original plan for zero tariffs on UK steel would not be implemented, delivering a devastating new blow to the beleaguered industry.

The so-called deal, covering cars and steel, was announced by the Prime Minister in May.

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has reignited his feud reignited his feud with Donald Trump just hours ahead of his arrival into Britain yesterday, claiming ecord numbers of Americans are moving to the UK’s capital to escape him.

The city mayor, who has clashed repeatedly with the president during his nine years in office, said a record number of people were crossing the Atlantic to make lives in the UK since the start of his second term.

Sir Sadiq hit out just hours before Trump and first lady Melania touched down for his second State Visit to the UK.

In a pointed statement Sir Sadiq said:

Prominent figures in the US and UK deliberately talk down our country, and in particular our capital city. Yet the latest evidence is clear – a record number of US citizens are now applying for citizenship here in the UK.

For many Americans I speak with, it’s because of our values that record numbers are applying to be citizens. This includes our fundamental values like adhering to the rule of law, being proud of our diversity and championing the rights of minority communities.

City Hall cited Home Office figures showing a rise in applications for UK citizenship from Americans since the last quarter of last year, which coincides with Trump’s election win over Kamala Harris.

In July, Trump referred to Sir Sadiq as a ‘nasty person’ who had done a ‘terrible job’ while visiting his golf resort in Scotland.

Here’s what Donald Trump can expect at his ceremonial welcome today at Windsor Castle as he greets the Prince and Princess of Wales as well as King Charles on the first full day of his second state visit.

Here’s our graphic below:

Protests against Donald Trump’s state visit are ‘perhaps inevitable’ but the US President and Sir Keir Starmer “won’t let any of that distract them”, a Cabinet minister has said.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said she had not seen reports that four people had been arrested after an image of Mr Trump and deceased paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was beamed onto Windsor Castle.

In today’s world, many of these things are perhaps inevitable, but they won’t let any of that distract them. They both want to deliver for their countries and their people.

Before leaving the US, Donald Trump spoke of his excitement to see King Charles, whom he described as ‘an elegant gentleman’.

After arriving at Winfield House, the residence of America’s ambassador to the UK, Warren Stevens, Trump praised the ‘outstanding’ job the monarch is doing.

Asked if he had a message for King Charles, he added:

We’re going to see him tomorrow and he’s been a friend of mine for a long time, and everybody respects him, and they love him.

Trump earlier spoke about his relationship with Charles ahead of boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

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.

Trump and Mandelson in the Oval Office in May

Donald Trump’s second state visit threatens to be overshadowed by a crisis engulfing Keir Starmer’s government.

Peter Mandelson was last week sacked as US ambassador after a series of devastating emails suggested the Labour grandee appeared to have plotted with his paedophile ‘best pal’ Epstein to save him from looming charges of molesting teenagers.

Starmer had appointed Mandelson as US ambassador without waiting for him to be vetted by the security services, MPs were told on Monday.

The President’s allies vowed he would ‘go easy’ on struggling Sir Keir during his visit following the domestic hits to the Prime Minister’s leadership.

During Donald Trump’s first UK state visit in 2019, the President was hosted by the late Queen Eizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

Tonight, the Trumps will be guests of honour at Windsor Castle as Buckingham Palace undergoes extensive refurbishment.

by Andrew Pierce, Daily Mail Consultant Editor and Columnist

It’s unprecedented for a president of the United States to get two state visits to the United Kingdom. But what will come out of Trump’s second UK visit?

Donald Trump and First Lady Melania are due to touch down tonight. They will stay in Windsor Castle where they will be hosted by the King and treated to a ceremonial welcome and a lavish state banquet.

Click above to watch the video.

Donald Trump and Melania are expected to arrive at Windsor Castle this morning by helicopter for a ceremonial welcome full of pomp and paegantry.

The scale and spectacle of the military ceremonial on show for Mr Trump is unprecedented and marks the largest military ceremonial welcome for a state visit to the UK in living memory.

Here’s the scene this morning with police already standing guard in the town.

Trump and King Charles pictured in 2019

Donald Trump will spend today rubbing shoulders with the Royal Family in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Trump, who is known for his admiration of the royals, will first meet the Prince and Princess of Wales who will then escort him and Melania a short distance to see the King and Queen for an open air greeting nearby.

The proceedings are aimed at extending a personal, family-centred welcome to the Trumps ahead of the official ceremony in the castle quadrangle after a carriage ride through private Home Park.

The Queen – who spent Tuesday afternoon resting at Windsor Castle, having pulled out of attending the Duchess of Kent’s funeral on Tuesday after suffering from acute sinusitis – is said to be hopeful she will recover in time to attend the busy run of royal events including the glittering banquet.

Last night protesters at Windsor were chanting ‘Dump Trump’ even before the US president had landed.

One demonstrator, a marketing executive who declined to give her surname, said she opposed Britain rolling out the red carpet for Trump, whom she said had fuelled ‘ a lot of the far-right protests that we’re already having here’.

More protests are expected today with thousands set to descend on central London, with other demonstrations gearing up around the UK in opposition to the US President’s two-day stay.

About 1,600 police officers will be in the capital, around Westminster, amid a march involving 50 groups organised by the Stop Trump Coalition.

Road closures will allow protesters to march on Parliament Square from around 2pm.

Here are the first pictures of Donald Trump and wife Melania as they landed in the UK to start an unprecedented second UK state visit.

The President and First Lady came to Britain in 2019 during Trump’s first term in the White House and return following an invitation from King Charles earlier this year.

Watch footage of the moment Donald Trump and Melania arrived in the UK last night.

When the president landed at Stansted Airport on Air Force One, he held his 55-year-old wife First Lady Melania’s hand as he walked down the aircraft steps.

Melania sported a trench coat from British designer Burberry and black riding boots as she and her husband were greeted by the Viscount Hood, Lord-in-Waiting, on behalf of King Charles.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who opposed his first state visit, shook Trump’s hand for about five seconds.

Four people were arrested last night after images of Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew and Donald Trump were projected on to Windsor Castle.

A video of several photos and clips of the disgraced financier and the US President, 79, together over the years were displayed onto the brick walls.

The series of images were accompanied by a timeline, showing several pictures of the two as well as a note written by Mr Trump to Epstein in a copy of his book ‘Trump the Art of The Comeback’ which read: ‘To Jeff, you are the greatest.’

Images of Prince Andrew alongside Epstein, who was on trial for several sex trafficking charges, were also shone on the screen for passers by in the Berkshire town to see.

In 2019, the financier died while on trial, accused of running a ‘vast network’ of trafficking underage girls. He was also convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor a decade prior, for which he was a registered sex offender.

Donald Trump hailed the UK a ‘very special place’ ahead of the first full day of his historic second state visit.

Mr Trump landed at London Stansted airport on Air Force One last night before taking the Marine One helicopter to Winfield House in Regent’s Park, central London, where spent the night.

The US president told reporters on Tuesday evening he ‘loves’ the UK.

‘I have a lot of things here that warm my heart,’ he said. ‘I want to tell you. It’s a very special place.’

The American leader is being feted with a stay in Windsor Castle, where he will be hosted by the King and treated to a ceremonial welcome on Wednesday and later, a lavish state banquet.

Security will be paramount, with Mr Trump confined to the private Windsor estate on the first full day, before heading to the Prime Minister’s country residence Chequers on Thursday.

Hello and welcome to the Daily Mail’s live coverage as Donald Trump embarks on the first full day of his unprecedented second state visit to the UK.

President Trump landed at London Stansted airport on Air Force One last night before he was whisked off to the American ambassador’s residence in Regent’s Park to spend the night.

Speaking to reporters after his arrival, Trump hailed the UK as a ‘very special place’.

Trump is being feted with a stay in Windsor Castle, where he will be hosted by the King and treated to a ceremonial welcome on Wednesday and later, a lavish state banquet.

Security will be paramount, with Mr Trump confined to the private Windsor estate on the first full day, before heading to the Prime Minister’s country residence Chequers on Thursday.

Stick with us throughout the day as we bring you the latest developments on Trump’s visit