The highly anticipated and deeply divisive state visit of US President Donald Trump to the United Kingdom officially commenced on Monday, marking the start of a three-day trip set to be defined by royal pomp and mass public protest.
Air Force One touched down at London's Stansted Airport, where the President and First Lady Melania Trump were formally greeted. The couple was then swiftly transported to the heart of the capital to begin their engagements with the Royal Family.
A Royal Welcome at the Palace
The centrepiece of the visit's first day was a grand ceremonial welcome hosted by the monarch at Buckingham Palace. President Trump was treated to the full spectacle of British pageantry, complete with a inspection of the Guard of Honour formed by the renowned Irish Guards.
The event was a display of the longstanding 'special relationship' between the two nations, emphasising diplomatic ties despite widespread public and political discontent surrounding the President's policies and rhetoric.
A City Divided: Protests Erupt Across London
As the Trumps settled into palace life, a very different scene unfolded on the streets of London. Tens of thousands of demonstrators converged in central London, voicing fierce opposition to the American leader.
Protesters held aloft giant inflatable 'Baby Trump' blimps and a multitude of signs criticising the President on issues ranging from climate change and immigration to allegations of misogyny. The massive demonstration signals the deep-seated friction that this state visit has generated amongst the British public.
What's Next on the Agenda?
The coming days are packed with high-stakes diplomacy. Key events include:
- A state banquet at Buckingham Palace hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.
- Bilateral talks with outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May, focusing on trade, security, and foreign policy.
- D-Day commemorations in Portsmouth, where the President will join world leaders to mark the 75th anniversary of the Normandy landings.
All eyes will be on the President's every move, his interactions with the Royal Family, and his response to the palpable atmosphere of dissent that hangs over his stay in Britain.
