Trump’s Second State Visit to UK Brings Pageantry, Politics, and Protest
Published Date: 17th Sep, 2025
Windsor, England — September 17, 2025
Former U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are in the United Kingdom for a historic second state visit, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
A Landmark Occasion
This visit—running from 17 to 19 September 2025—marks the first time in modern history a U.S. president has been invited for a second state visit. Traditionally, second‐term visits are more modest, often limited to informal events.
The Trumps arrived to an elaborate ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, including a formal carriage procession, a Guard of Honour inspection, and military fly-pasts. Prince William and Princess Kate (Princess of Wales) played prominent roles in greeting the delegation, before King Charles and Queen Camilla formally received them.
Ceremonial and Symbolic Highlights
-
The couple laid a wreath at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, as a private act of respect.
-
Military ceremonies, including a fly-past by U.S. and British jets, were part of the greeting.
-
A state banquet was held in the evening of the main arrival day, with speeches planned.
Royal Involvement & Roles
Princess Kate’s involvement is seen as particularly significant. Having recently returned to public duties following her cancer treatment, she and Prince William are fulfilling visible and active roles in welcoming the Trumps and taking part in public engagements.
Queen Camilla, after withdrawing temporarily from some events due to acute sinusitis, is participating in key ceremonies.
Diplomatic Stakes and Controversies
While the visit is full of pomp, it also carries serious diplomatic weight:
-
Bilateral ties: Prime Minister Keir Starmer intends to use this visit to deepen economic cooperation, especially in AI, trade, energy, and defence. There is interest in refining trade deals and increasing U.S. investment.
-
Sensitive moments: Protests have been expected and have already begun in some areas. Some demonstrators have projected imagery linking Trump with Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle, which has drawn sharp attention.
-
Adjustments to tradition: Because Buckingham Palace is under renovation, the main events are being centred at Windsor Castle. There are also reports of certain traditional elements being modified or scaled back in response to logistical and security needs.
What’s Next
As the visit continues, focus will shift from ceremonial to political:
-
Discussions at Chequers between President Trump and Prime Minister Starmer are set to cover Ukraine, trade policy, and transatlantic cooperation.
-
The Princess of Wales and Melania Trump are scheduled to engage in joint public appearances, including visits to royal heritage sites and youth-oriented community events.
Significance & Public Response
This state visit underscores how the UK plans to maintain its “special relationship” with the U.S., even under leadership that has previously been contentious. However, it’s not without critique. Some British politicians, civil society groups, and pro-Ukraine allies have expressed concern over the optics and implications of being so formally hospitable to a figure as polarizing as Trump.
Bottom Line: For the royal family and UK government, this state visit is both a showpiece of tradition and protocol—and a strategic diplomatic opportunity. How well it balances ceremony with content, and reconciliation with controversy, will likely define its lasting impact.
Date: 17th Sep, 2025
