A former royal guard has defended the security arrangements at Windsor Castle following the state visit of US President Donald Trump, insisting that the Prince and Princess of Wales were well protected. The comments come after footage showed William and Kate greeting the Trumps in the Walled Garden, a private area of the estate.
The ex-guard, who served in the Household Division, said the decision to have the Waleses meet the Trumps in the garden was a calculated security measure. 'The Walled Garden is a secure zone within the Home Park, which itself is part of the wider Windsor Castle security perimeter,' he explained.
He added that the presence of armed police and royal protection officers ensured the safety of all parties. 'The idea that the Waleses were exposed is nonsense. The area was thoroughly swept and monitored throughout.'
The visit saw President Trump and First Lady Melania arrive by Marine One helicopter, landing on the lawn of the Walled Garden. The Waleses then escorted them to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla outside Victoria House.
During the ceremonial welcome, King Charles joked with Mr Trump as they inspected a Guard of Honour, telling him to 'watch the sword' as a soldier raised his blade. The President later described the artefacts shown to him in St George's Chapel as 'the real deal'.
