Key Points
- Donald Trump has started a historic second UK state visit with grandeur, security and royal pageantry.
- The day concluded with a lavish banquet, but protests and questions about ties to Jeffrey Epstein hang over the visit.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is hoping the royals can cajole Trump into further progress on trade.
“Seen from American eyes, the word special does not begin to do it justice,” Trump said of the relationship between the two countries.
The first day of Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK concludes with a banquet at Windsor Castle. Source: AAP / PA / Phil Noble
Trump’s speech will be music to the ears of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Trump made little secret of his delight at being not just the first US leader, but the first elected politician to be invited for two state visits. “This is truly one of the highest honours of my life,” he said.
Donald Trump called the bond between the US and UK “priceless and eternal”. Source: AAP / AP / Yui Mok
Over the course of the visit, Starmer is hoping to convert Trump’s affection for Britain — his mother came from Scotland — and admiration for the royals into concrete actions.
“The United Kingdom was your partner in the first trade deal of your administration, Mr President, bringing jobs and growth to both our countries,” King Charles said in his speech. “And no doubt we can go even further as we build this new era of our partnership.”
How popular is Donald Trump in the UK?
Polls show Trump is widely unpopular in the UK and Starmer, faced with plummeting poll ratings of his own and economic woes, will need to show his royal trump card can reap benefits.
Protesters in London demonstrated against Donald Trump’s visit to the UK. Source: AAP / EPA / Tolga Akmen
While there were many Trump supporters in crowds at Windsor in London, several thousand people marched to protest against the state visit.
“I quite simply dislike everything that Trump and his administration represent around the globe,” retiree Bryan Murray said.
Musician Billy Bragg performed at a protest. Source: AAP / PA / James Manning
Awkward questions about late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein might also come to the fore.
Last week, Starmer sacked Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to Washington over his ties to Epstein. This could lead to questions for both the premier and Trump, whose own relationship with the financier has come under scrutiny.
While the focus will turn to geopolitics and trade when Starmer hosts Trump at his Chequers country residence, Wednesday was all about ceremony.
Donald Trump (left) has been treated to a show of royal pageantry by King Charles and Queen Camilla. Source: AAP / AP / Kevin Lamarque
Trump and Melania joined Charles, his wife Queen Camilla and other royals and dignitaries for a carriage procession, with the route lined by 1,300 British service personnel.
There was a further military parade and a flypast by Britain’s Red Arrows aerobatics team.
The UK laid on what it said was the largest military ceremonial welcome for a state visit in living memory. Source: AAP / PA / Jordan Pettitt
The Trumps also found time for a private meeting with the king’s elder son Prince William and the heir’s wife Kate, which was described by the prince’s spokesperson as “warm and friendly”.
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