Trump enjoys a regal spectacle at Windsor Castle alongside King Charles III in Britain
President Donald Trump is currently on a state visit in England, marking his second visit to the country. This time around, the stakes are high for the host country as Trump's America First policies are putting pressure on trade and security arrangements around the globe.
The president's itinerary includes a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, scheduled for the next day. The meeting comes amidst the controversy surrounding the dismissal of Britain's ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, days before the state visit. Mandelson was fired over his past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump and Charles, the Prince of Wales, toured an ornate room displaying artifacts on U.S.-British relations, including documents on the United States seeking independence from King George III. The location of the state visit, Windsor, was chosen for its more 'photogenic setting' according to historian Robert Lacey.
The activities during the state visit are smaller than during Trump's visit in June 2019. However, the visit includes a grand display of pageantry, including the largest guard of honor in living memory, carriage rides, an air show, and a Windsor Castle dinner.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla were present during Trump's visit. The royals presented President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump with gifts: a handbound leather volume celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Union flag that flew above Buckingham Palace on the day of Trump's inauguration, a silver and enamel bowl, a personalized handbag by British designer Anya Hindmarch, a replica of an Eisenhower sword, and a vintage Tiffany & Co. gold, diamond and ruby brooch.
Trump placed a wreath in honor of Queen Elizabeth at St. George’s Chapel. However, thousands of demonstrators marched through central London to protest Trump's visit, including mini versions of the giant Trump baby blimp.
The visit also saw a reminder of the president's relationship with the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein, as the campaign group Led By Donkeys projected an image of Trump and Epstein on a tower at Windsor Castle. Police arrested four people in connection with the incident.
The British government hopes that a new U.K.-U.S. technology agreement, and billions in investment from U.S. tech companies, will help show that the trans-Atlantic bond remains strong despite differences over Ukraine, the Middle East, and the future of NATO.
Prince William and his wife, Kate, greeted Trump and his wife, Melania Trump. In his talks with Trump, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will promote this new agreement.
The state visit is taking place in Windsor, a historic town of just over 30,000 people about 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of central London. The visit comes amidst increased international tensions and the fatal shooting of Trump ally Charlie Kirk last week in Utah, necessitating a massive security operation to ensure Trump's safety. The dinner menu for the state visit included Hampshire watercress panna cotta, Norfolk chicken ballotine, vanilla ice cream bombe, and various alcoholic beverages.
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