Donald Trump has landed in the UK for an unprecedented second state visit, touching down at London Stansted on Tuesday evening aboard Air Force One with First Lady Melania Trump. The two-day programme includes a ceremonial welcome by King Charles at Windsor Castle, military parades, and a possible Red Arrows flypast alongside British and American F-35 jets.
The visit has drawn criticism over Trump's policies and rhetoric. The Stop Trump Coalition held a protest in Windsor on Tuesday, with around 70 demonstrators gathering outside the castle, chanting 'Trump out' and holding placards. A separate protest is planned in central London on Wednesday. Thames Valley police arrested four people on suspicion of malicious communications after images of Trump and Jeffrey Epstein were projected onto Windsor Castle.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, writing in the Guardian, accused Trump of doing more than anyone to 'fan the flames of divisive, far-right politics around the world'. Khan urged UK leaders not to shy away from being 'a critical friend' and speaking truth to power, noting the special relationship includes being open and honest. Khan and Trump previously clashed during the 2019 state visit.
The Trumps were greeted at the aircraft by US chief of protocol Monica Crowley and Henry Hood, lord-in-waiting, representing the king. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper was also present. The couple then travelled by Marine One helicopter to Winfield House, the US ambassador's residence in Regent's Park.
King Charles and Camilla will welcome the Trumps at Windsor Castle with a ceremonial reception, including gun salutes from the British army and at the Tower of London. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the largest guard of honour ever at a state visit, with about 1,300 military personnel and 120 horses, including 160 from the Royal Marines.
