The commander in chief was warmly greeted by senior members of the royal family Wednesday as he and first lady Melania Trump arrived in the UK for a historic second state visit.
The president and first lady Melania Trump arrived at Windsor Castle via his Marine One helicopter.
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump were greeted by Prince William and Princess Catherine. POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesTrump received a warm welcome from King Charles and Queen Camilla Wednesday. POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesFirst Lady Melania Trump, U.S. President Donald Trump, King Charles III and Queen Camilla during the State visit by the President of the United States of America at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025 in Windsor, England. Getty ImagesKing Charles III and U.S. President Donald Trump in the Irish State Coach during the State visit by the President of the United States of America at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025 in Windsor, England. Getty ImagesKing Charles was seen heading inside the castle ahead of the president’s arrival. via REUTERS
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff were spotted on the ground outside the castle ahead of the ceremonial welcome.
The Trumps were greeted by Prince William and Princess Catherine, who promptly escorted the couple to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla at the castle.
Shortly after their arrival, the Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry performed the Star-Spangled Banner.
The POTUS touched down in London Tuesday night for a fleeting — but lavish — two-day visit, which will see King Charles host a banquet and carriage procession in honor of Trump’s arrival.
The procession and royal salute highlighted a contrast to Trump’s initial state visit in June 2019.
A total of 120 horses and 1,300 British military servicemen are taking part in the ceremonial welcome, which will be complete with a joint UK-US military flypast.
The Star-Spangled Banner was performed during the procession. APThe trip marks Trump’s second state visit to the UK. AFP via Getty ImagesThe president was seen exchanging laughs with the king upon arrival. POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesMembers of the Honourable Artillery Company fire a 41 Gun Royal Salute, to mark the second State Visit by US President Donald Trump, from Tower Wharf, by Tower Bridge. AFP via Getty ImagesThe horse-drawn procession makes its way towards Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on Sept. 17, 2025. POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesOn Wednesday, the President and First Lady Melania Trump arrived at Windsor Castle via his Marine One helicopter. ReutersThe procession and royal salute highlighted a contrast to Trump’s initial state visit in June 2019. Getty Images
“The joint flypast by UK and US F-35 aircraft is a demonstration of the strength of the UK-US defense and security relationship,” Britain’s defense ministry said.
Following the procession, the Trumps will have lunch in the State Dining Room with Charles and Camilla.
A lavish banquet is set to take place on Wednesday evening, with over 150 guests expected to attend — including royals, politicians, and prominent public figures with ties to both the UK and the US.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, First Lady Melania Trump, U.S. President Donald Trump, King Charles III and Queen Camilla during the State visit by the President of the United States of America at Windsor Castle on Sept. 17, 2025. Getty ImagesThe carriage procession arrives at Windsor Castle on day two of the US President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK on September 17, 2025 in Windsor, England. Getty ImagesQueen Camilla was accompanied by the First Lady in the Scottish State Coach during a horse-drawn procession. POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesMeanwhile, Trump and Charles traveled together in a separate carriage during the procession. REUTERSA total of 120 horses and 1,300 British military servicemen are taking part in the ceremonial welcome. Getty ImagesUS President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive at Windsor Castle in Windsor, Berkshire, on Sept. 17, 2025. via REUTERS
Ahead of the dinner, Trump had generously extended an invitation to former British ambassador to the US Dame Karen Pierce.
The Trumps are staying at Windsor Castle this time, as Buckingham Palace is undergoing extensive renovations scheduled to be completed by 2027.
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Security measures, spearheaded by Thames Valley Police, have been significantly intensified in response to Trump’s visit — marking the UK’s largest security operation since the King’s coronation in May 2023.
Trump’s trip will also feature a poignant tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who had welcomed him and Melania on their first state visit in 2019.
President Donald Trump and Britain’s King Charles III review the Guard of Honour after the arrival at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. APPrincess Catherine was seen engaging in conversation with the Queen and First Lady. Getty ImagesThe princess opted for a burgundy ensemble for the occasion. POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesMembers of the Household Division Foot Guards line up along route ahead of the carriage procession through Windsor Castle on Sept. 17, 2025. Getty Images
The president is expected to pay his respects to the late monarch, who died in Sept. 2022 at age 96, by laying a wreath on her tomb in St George’s Chapel.
On Thursday, the Trumps will meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, though it just so happens that the UK parliament is in recess during the president’s visit, meaning he will not make an official address.
