The full itinerary for Donald Trump's contentious 2019 state visit to the United Kingdom has been unveiled, detailing a three-day whirlwind of royal pomp, high-stakes diplomacy, and anticipated mass protests.
The then-US President and First Lady Melania Trump commenced their visit on Monday, 3rd June, with a grand arrival ceremony hosted by the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace. The day culminated in an elaborate state banquet, a hallmark of British diplomatic hospitality.
A Day of Diplomacy and Demonstration
Tuesday marked the visit's core diplomatic agenda. President Trump engaged in crucial talks with Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street, focusing on trade, security, and foreign policy. The day also featured a meeting with opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn.
However, the official schedule was shadowed by widespread public dissent. A major protest, organised by the 'Stop Trump' coalition, marched from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square. Simultaneously, a giant 'Trump Baby' blimp took flight near Parliament, becoming an iconic symbol of the opposition.
D-Day Commemorations and Departure
The final day of the visit, Wednesday, 5th June, saw President and Mrs. Trump join the Queen and other world leaders in Portsmouth for the solemn commemorations of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings. This poignant event provided a reflective close to a visit otherwise characterised by political tension.
Following the ceremonies, the President departed from London Stansted Airport, concluding a visit that starkly highlighted the deep divisions in British public opinion towards the American leader.
