Trump Arrives at the Walled Garden in Windsor for a Regal Reception by the Royal Family
The United Kingdom rolled out a grand welcome for US President Donald Trump during his second state visit, with a military ceremonial that was unprecedented and the largest in living memory.
Approximately 1,160 personnel from the Royal Marines, Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force contributed to the spectacle. The British Army alone provided 1,000 personnel, with the Royal Marines and Royal Navy contributing 160 each, and the Royal Air Force contributing 140.
The ceremonial welcome at Windsor was a grand affair, with approximately 1,300 members of the British military and 120 horses involved. The unit of the British Army that forms the Sovereign's Escort during the carriage procession on the Windsor Estate is the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, consisting of the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals. Both these units were part of the procession, dressed in their respective uniforms.
The processional route was lined by 22 half-companies of personnel from various branches of the military. The gun salute, a traditional part of such occasions, was fired by The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, totalling a 41-round salute. This was accompanied by a salute from the Honourable Artillery Company at the Tower of London.
The President's arrival was marked by his Marine One helicopter landing on the lawn of the garden. Upon landing, the Trumps joined the King, Queen, Prince William, and Kate for a carriage procession through the Windsor estate towards the Castle.
The location of the welcome, Victoria House, is a little-known part of the Royal Kitchen Gardens at Frogmore. This choice offered a personal and family-centered greeting for the president. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's associations with Frogmore House and Frogmore Cottage were not lost on the spectators as the carriages passed near these locations.
The visit was considered a major royal charm offensive, with elements that Mr. Trump is known to appreciate, such as pomp and pageantry. Upon his arrival, President Trump expressed his love for the UK.
In addition to the ceremonial welcome, it was announced during the visit that the UK and US have struck a tech deal. The Trumps were greeted by Prince William and Kate Middleton (Prince and Princess of Wales) in the Walled Garden on the Windsor estate.
The military ceremonial for Mr. Trump's state visit was indeed a grand spectacle, one that will be long remembered in the annals of British-American relations.
