King Charles and Queen Carmilla are welcoming President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. The historic occasion marks the first time that an elected politician has been invited to a second state visit. The moment required Windsor Castle to pull out all the stops, welcoming Trump with pageantry and high security. The British Royals have also foregone some traditions in hopes of creating a welcome that's as grand as possible and that solidifies the bond between the UK and the US.
© Anna Moneymaker/Getty ImagesThe Trump family arrived in the UK on Tuesday evening, staying at Winfield House, the official residence of the United States Ambassador.
"My relationship is very good with the U.K., and Charles, as you know, who’s now king, is my friend," said Trump, as reported by the UK Standard. "It’s the first time this has ever happened where somebody was honored twice. So, it’s a great honor."
A welcome by the Prince and Princess of Wales
© IAN VOGLER/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesEarlier today, as the Trumps were transported aboard the Marine One helicopter towards Windsor Castle, the family was welcomed by Prince William and Princess Kate. This is a duty that the royal couple has taken on whenever significant heads of state have made official visits, including the Macron family's visit this past July.
For the occasion, Kate Middleton wore an Emilia Wickstead maroon dress while Melania opted for a grey Christian Dior suit and a wool purple hat. While the two women have met in the past, this marks their first meeting with Kate in line to become England's future queen.
© Getty ImagesWilliam and Kate walked alongside the Trumps through a small part of the castle's gardens, leading them towards King Charles and Queen Camilla, who waited for them at the doors of Victoria House.
The King and Queen welcomed the Trumps while there were fireworks from the Windsor Castle's lawn and the Tower of London.
No US President has been honored with a second invitation to the UK
© Getty ImagesOver the past few days, Windsor Castle has been in security lockdown, with there being walls erected and wooden doors surrounding the castle's gardens, all to improve the area's security. The city of London has also increased its police presence due to the expected meeting between Trump and Prime Minister Kier Starmer, who'll be welcoming the President this Thursday at Chequers, the Prime Minister's country home.
Following the performance of the National Anthems, the President and First Lady joined the King and Queen for a procession aboard carriages that drove them towards Windsor Castle. The carriages were flanked by the UK Armed Forces, the Royal Marines, the Army, and the Royal Air Force.
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© Getty ImagesThe official procession kicked off with Charles III and Trump, who led the group aboard the Irish State Coach. They were followed by the Scottish State Coach, which had Camila and Melania, with the last carriage hosting the Prince and Princess of Wales alongside the US ambassador and his wife.
Triple honor guard for Donald Trump
© In Pictures via Getty ImagesUpon their arrival at the main garden of Windsor Castle, a Guard of Honor, with the state colors of the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, and Scots Guards (Three of the five infantry regiments of the Foot Guards of the British Army), welcomed the committee.
This marks the first occasion when three regiments have been involved in the welcoming of a head of state, with these events usually requiring the involvement of only one of these groups.
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