The King, the Queen and the Trumps have watched the historic Red Arrows flypast as they enjoyed a military parade at Windsor Castle.
The US president smiled and patted Charles on the arm as he watched the aircraft above the skies of Windsor, where he is being treated to an unprecedented display of military pomp and pageantry.
He and the first lady, Melania Trump, received a personal greeting from Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales when they arrived on Wednesday.
A lavish state banquet is taking place this evening, with with both Mr Trump and Charles set to give speeches at the glittering event in St George’s Hall.
Tomorrow, Sir Keir Starmer is expected to use the visit to bolster the UK’s “special relationship” the US with diplomatic talks at Chequers.
Just over 20 miles away, thousands have turned out to protest the visit at a march organised by the Stop Trump Coalition in London. The group says it is “protesting against this undeserved state visit to make sure the world knows this is not done in our name”.
Read More
Key Points
- Pictured: RAF Red Arrows perform flypast over Windsor Castle
- Royals and Trumps watch military parade together
- Timetable for Trump's UK visit as King welcomes president and first lady
- Thousands gather in London to protest Trump’s historic second state visit
- Trump supporters turn out in Windsor for 'special man'
- London mayor Sadiq Khan accuses Trump of fanning flames of far-right politics
- Four arrested after Trump and Epstein images projected onto Windsor Castle
Trump 'grateful' after military ceremony
17:42
,
Athena Stavrou
Lieutenant Colonel Simon Soskin of the Grenadier Guards said the King and Donald Trump were “grateful” after the Beating Retreat.
Lt Col Soskin, who was tasked with planning the ceremony, told the PA news agency: “We were asked to put on a spectacular performance to end the day of welcoming and so we pulled in our three bands, one for each service, invited the Americans, sprinkled in some bagpipers and it came together very well.”
Asked what the King and US president said to the gathered military personnel who watched the ceremony, Lt Col Soskin said: “They took a few moments to say hello.
“I said hello to the president on the way past, which I like because my family are American, so I’ll be telling my parents later.
“They were grateful, I think, the President was really pleased to see the junior American service personnel.”
Key figure speak at huge anti-Trump rally in London
17:28
,
Athena Stavrou
Comedian Nish Kumar, who is hosting a rally in Parliament Square against Donald Trump’s second state visit, said last week’s Unite the Kingdom protest puts the UK in “an incredibly scary position”.
He said he is “incredibly scared right now” but urged protesters to come together before leading a chant of “say it loud, say it clear, Donald Trump’s not welcome here”.
“We have a common aim, there are more of us than there are of them, let’s not give up this fight,” Kumar said.
Former Labour MP Zara Sultana also referred to Saturday’s protests.
She said protesters “marched with the backing of international figures of the far right”, and included Mr Trump among them.
Donald Trump pats King on the arm as Red Arrows fly over
17:15
,
Athena Stavrou
Donald Trump reached over to the King and gently patted him on the arm after the Red Arrows went over.
The King and Queen and US president and first lady all looked up as the aircraft flew over.
They then applauded and Mr Trump smiled and leaned towards Charles, spoke to him and patted him on the arm.
The pair then spoke to military personnel who were sat on their left while Camilla and Melania Trump spoke to those on the other side.
Watch: The Independent reports live from Windsor on Donald Trump's state visit
17:06
,
Tara Cobham
Anti-Trump protesters now gather in Parliament Square for rally as Billy Bragg performs
17:03
,
Tara Cobham
As protesters against Donald Trump’s second state visit gathered in Parliament Square for a rally, musician and activist Billy Bragg performed on the stage.
Before the 67-year-old sang his protest song Hundred Year Hunger, he told crowds that Mr Trump could end the war in Gaza with “one word”.
The rally is set to hear from a range of speakers, with public order conditions restricting attendees to Parliament Square and Whitehall.
Crowds of spectators outside Windsor Castle cheered as Red Arrows flew over royal residence
17:02
,
Tara Cobham
Crowds of spectators outside Windsor Castle cheered as the Red Arrows flew over the royal residence.
A small group of people shouted “U.S.A” as red, white and blue smoke filled the skies above Windsor Castle during the flypast.
Watch: Spectacular RAF flypast over Windsor for Trump's UK state visit
16:54
,
Tara Cobham
Pictured: RAF Red Arrows perform historic flypast over Windsor Castle
16:53
,
Tara Cobham
On the ground: Thousands gather in London to protest Trump’s historic second state visit
16:48
,
Tara Cobham
The Independent’s Maira Butt reports from the anti-Trump march in London:
Thousands have gathered in central London to protest US President Donald Trump’s historic second state visit.
While pomp and pageantry were rolled out at Windsor Castle with supporters lining the streets, the country’s capital had a more irreverent response.
Palestine flags and pro-Palestine placards dominated the gathering, with several individuals dressed up as the American leader, complete with heavily orange tans and voluminous blonde wigs. One woman was dressed as “The Statue of Taking Liberties” while another held a spike with a pig’s head and MAGA hat. Donald Trump impersonators were plentiful. One woman dragged an effigy of the President through the streets.
The march was upbeat and light-hearted for the most part with drums, music and slogans blasted throughout, with several groups dancing.
Several banners referred to the Epstein files and chants of “Free Palestine” and “Donald Trump, you’re a clown. You’re not welcome in our town” could be heard throughout the march to Parliament Square.
There was a heavy police presence with the Met Police confirming 1,600 officers had been deployed including the assistance of 500 from forces outside London.
Clashes between protestors included at least one person who attended Tommy Robinson’s right-wing rally last week shouting at protestors that they were “Boring!” and was promptly dubbed a “fascist” in response. Another man sat at a pop-up table that said simply “We love Trump”, calling himself a “lone voice for Donald Trump and Charlie Kirk”.
Royals and Trumps watch military parade together
16:46
,
Tara Cobham
The King appeared to point out the Old Guard Fifes and Drums to Donald Trump as the US Army Band moved towards them from their right.
Charles was seen exchanging a smile with the US President, who then turned to the First Lady.
Watch: King, Queen and Trumps arrive to watch military ceremony
16:43
,
Tara Cobham
Donald Trump’s three words to Princess Kate upon arrival for state visit
16:29
,
Tara Cobham
Watch: Royal super fan claims Trump is not divisive as he celebrates US president's state visit
16:29
,
Tara Cobham
Anti-Trump protester accuses Trump of being a liar
16:28
,
Tara Cobham
The Independent’s Maira Butt reports from London:
An anti-Trump protester has accused Donald Trump of being a liar.
Chris Williams, 74, a civil engineer and academic who went to the same school as Nigel Farage, told The Independent at the London march: “You should never lie. He’s lied so much that he’s not aware he’s doing it.”
King, Queen and Trumps arrive to watch military ceremony
16:22
,
Tara Cobham
The King, Queen, US president and first lady have arrived to watch the military ceremony on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle.
British and US military personnel stood in silence as the four made their way to their seats to view the Beating Retreat.
The King looked at Donald Trump before they sat down and the ceremony began.
Charles was seen chatting with Camilla and Mr Trump as they were seated.
Prime minister and wife join British and US military at Windsor Castle for Beating Retreat ceremony
16:16
,
Tara Cobham
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Lady Starmer have joined British and US military personnel on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle for the Beating Retreat ceremony.
The Massed Bands of the Royal Marines, the Coldstream Guards and the Royal Air Force with the Old Guard Fifes and Drums from the US Army Band have been on parade.
Full story: Trump supporters line Windsor streets as US president’s state visit begins
16:11
,
Tara Cobham
In the shadow of Windsor Castle, a man adorned head-to-toe in union flags dances around the streets. Next to him, a political satirist stands beside a portrait of Donald Trump as a caveman, with King Charles as his helpless host.
Windsor may always be a town where the more weird and wonderful facets of British culture are brought to life. But as crowds spill onto the streets to mark the arrival of the 47th US president, Wednesday is beyond even the usual quirks and qualities.
Mr Trump touched down in the UK on Tuesday evening, ready for his second state visit – the only president to ever be afforded such an honour. He met the King and Queen earlier on Wednesday, with a huge banquet set to be held in his honour in the historic halls of the castle in the evening.
The Independent’s Nicole Wootton-Cane reports from Windsor:
Pro-Trump supporters in Windsor say they 'just love' US president
16:10
,
Tara Cobham
The Independent’s Nicole Wootton-Cane reports from Windsor:
Pro-Trump supporters in Windsor have said they “just love” the US president.
Anderson Okiwe, 61, from Nottinghamshire, said his message to Mr Trump was: “Thank you so much Donald Trump for all that you’ve done. Let’s get back to common sense.”
Ben Ranger, 40, from Bracknell, said: “I just love Trump, he’s an overall good guy. I’ve always seen him trying to help everyone.”
When asked how Mr Trump will get on behind closed doors, Anderson Okiwe said: “He loves the royal family.
“I think he’s going to be respectful, dignified, I think there will be a lot of listening and a lot of understanding about Britain and our values. He wants that replicated for his country. That’s the main thing - let’s work together for peace.”
Meeting between Waleses and Trumps was 'warm and friendly', Kensington Palace says
16:08
,
Tara Cobham
The Prince and Princess of Wales met President Donald Trump and the First Lady for a short private meeting following lunch, Kensington Palace said.
The Palace said the meeting between William, Kate and the Trumps was “warm and friendly” and took place inside Windsor Castle.
No details of what was discussed by the two couples has been released by the Palace.
Van with huge Trump-Epstein photo seized by police in Windsor, claim Everyone Hates Elon protesters
16:06
,
Tara Cobham
Watch: Trump state visit a 'disgrace' says Windsor protester
16:06
,
Tara Cobham
Who is James Roscoe? Washington’s new interim US ambassador after Mandelson sacking
16:05
,
Tara Cobham
After the dramatic sacking of Peter Mandelson following revelations about his links with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, James Roscoe has been drafted in to take over as Britain’s interim ambassador to the US while Downing Street begins the process of finding a permanent replacement.
While there is no suggestion yet that Mr Roscoe will take over from Lord Mandelson permanently, the career diplomat has a strong CV. He is currently the embassy’s head of mission, a role that sees him take over in the absence of the ambassador.
Before he arrived in Washington, he was the UK ambassador to the UN General Assembly from 2019. Prior to this, from 2016 to 2019, he held the roles of director for communication at the Cabinet Office and subsequently the Department for Exiting the European Union.
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Flypast for Trumps reduced due to weather
16:02
,
Tara Cobham
A flypast that was due to take place over Windsor Castle to mark US President Donald Trump’s second state visit has been reduced due to the weather.
Four F-35 military jets were due to take part in the display – two F-35Bs from number 207 Squadron, the United Kingdom’s F-35B Operational Conversion Unit based at RAF Marham, and two F-35As from the 493rd Fighter Squadron, United States Air Force, based at RAF Lakenheath – but will no longer take to the skies.
It would have been the first time US and UK aircraft have flown together for such a visit.
A display by the Red Arrows is still due to happen.
Inside the Trumps' visit to St George’s Chapel
16:02
,
Tara Cobham
Around 10 minutes after entering St George’s Chapel to privately lay a wreath at the late Queen’s tomb, Donald and Melania Trump emerged into the Nave of St George’s Chapel.
They were treated to a performance of the first movement from Vivaldi’s Gloria, sung by a small group of young choristers from the chapel choir and directed by conductor James Vivian.
After a brief tour of the chapel, during which they were shown Henry VIII’s vault and Sir Winston Churchill’s stall plate denoting his membership of the Order of the Garter, Mr Trump said: “This was a great honour.”
In detail: King led president into Green Drawing Room after lunch to see Royal Collection
15:59
,
Tara Cobham
After lunch in the State Dining Room, the King led US President Donald Trump through a set of gilded double doors into the Green Drawing Room to see the display of items from the Royal Collection relating to the US.
The president was shown a letter sent from President Abraham Lincoln to Queen Victoria in 1862 after the death of Prince Albert which was described as a “defining moment” in the special relationship between the UK and the US.
Mr Trump remarked “that is so amazing, that’s the real deal” and leant forward to have a closer look.
Mr Lincoln’s expressive letter shared his condolences to the Queen and assured her of the “real sympathy” felt by the people of the United States who “are kindred of the people of Great Britain”.
Mr Trump also reacted to a set of Georgian maps tracing the movement of American and British troops at the point of American independence from Britain, and showing where British soldiers surrendered.
The president, who had specifically requested to see the historic documents, remarked: “That’s great. It was at the beginning, right?”
Royal librarian Stella Panayotova said afterwards: “The president requested the Georgian papers material, which are one of the most important sections of material in the Royal Archives.
“The president was particularly interested in the material in the Georgian papers that related to independence.”
One of the maps showed the surrender of the British Army at Yorktown in 1781.
Comment: Trump is being honoured at the Windsor Castle lock-in to hide the truth about Britain
15:52
,
Tara Cobham
Whipped from the American ambassador’s residence in Regent’s Park, Donald Trump was flown to the greatest lock-in of all time at Windsor Castle – the palace, not the pub.
Kept away from a British population which largely reviles the 47th president of the United States and leader of the free world, Trump received the full Downton Abbey experience, with bagpipes and drums, to keep him on Britain’s side, but away from the Brits.
He was given a ride around the Windsor estate in a golden carriage alongside King Charles, followed by the Queen and Melania. Like the world’s most indulged tourists, they were given a full right royal experience on a British heritage safari.
The Independent’s world affairs editor Sam Kiley writes:
Pictured: Protester drags mannequin dressed like Trump along the ground
15:51
,
Tara Cobham
Campaigners say arrests over Windsor video of Trump and Epstein a ‘ridiculous overreaction’
15:50
,
Tara Cobham
The police crackdown over a video of United States President Donald Trump and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein projected onto Windsor Castle has been dubbed a “ridiculous overreaction”.
Thames Valley Police said four men were arrested on suspicion of malicious communications following the stunt. One is a 60-year-old from East Sussex and one is a 37-year-old from Kent. The other two men, both from London, are aged 36 and 50.
The film, created by political campaign group Led By Donkeys, lasted nine minutes and was projected from a hotel room with a direct view to the castle.
Read more here:
Protesters brand Trump a 'pig' and 'dictator'
15:48
,
Tara Cobham
A couple protesting against Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK have branded him a “pig” and a “dictator”.
The pair, who did not wish to give their names, told The Independent at the London march today: Couple didn’t want to say name, are here because: “Trump’s policies [are] taking us back 50 years and denying global warming, which is criminal. I just think he’s a pig.”
If they saw the US president, they said they would tell him: “Stop behaving like a dictator.”
Small number of anti-Trump protesters outside Windsor Castle
15:45
,
Tara Cobham
A small number of protesters outside Windsor Castle are outnumbered by throngs of the world’s media and a large police presence.
Police horses could be seen in the car park of Windsor and Eton Central railway station, with officers watching people arriving at the station and sniffer dogs patrolling the streets of the historic town.
On a grey afternoon in Windsor, one man held a sign which read “Fascist go home” while standing on the road outside Windsor Castle which is flanked with American and British flags.
Trump’s historic second UK state visit: In pictures
15:44
,
Tara Cobham
Anti-Trump protester says he is marching to 'make a stand' against US president's 'bullying'
15:40
,
Tara Cobham
The Independent’s reporter Maira Butt reports from central London:
An anti-Trump protester has said he is marching in London today to “make a stand” as Donald Trump represents the “epitome of American bullying”.
Speaking to The Independent, Keith Norton, 69, a retired probation officer from Preston in Lancashire, called on prime minister Keir Starmer to “stand up” to the president.
Analysis: Nearly half of Brits say it was wrong to invite president Trump to UK
15:30
,
Tara Cobham
The Independent’s whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
A new poll by YouGov has found that 45 per cent of Britons say it was wrong to invite president Trump to the UK, while just one in three, 30 per cent, think it was the right move.
In addition, just one in five, 19 per cent, have a favourable opinion of the divisive US President Trump, with 69 per cent against.
Unsurprisingly, support breaks down along party lines.
Labour, Lib Dem and Green voters are against the visit, 62, 64 and 70 per cent, while Conservatives still tend to see it invitation as wrong, but by just 46 per cent, the survey shows.
Trump shared joke with Charles and servicemen during inspection of Guard of Honour
15:30
,
Tara Cobham
When the president inspected the Guard of Honour he followed protocol and strode in front of the King, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Storm Green, while the King walked a few steps behind.
The US leader stopped to speak to some of the guardsmen on parade and was overheard thanking the soldiers stood to attention.
Mr Trump even shared a joke with one of the servicemen with Charles sharing the amusing moment as a few spots of rain fell.
All the gifts exchanged by the royal family and the Trumps during state visit
15:29
,
Tara Cobham
Donald Trump and the First Lady will present King Charles with a replica of a President Eisenhower Sword, symbolising a "historical partnership", during a gift exchange at their state visit to Windsor.
The King and Queen also have presents for their American guests, Buckingham Palace confirmed.
Mr Trump will receive a bespoke, hand-bound leather book, crafted by the Royal Bindery in Windsor Castle, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, adopted in Philadelphia on 4 July 1776.
Read more here:
Police have spoken with driver of van showing picture of Trump and Epstein
15:21
,
Tara Cobham
Police officers in Windsor have spoken with the driver of an ad van, which showed a picture of Donald Trump with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Pictures appeared to show the vehicle being driven in the Berkshire town.
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “Security checks are a necessary part of our response to ensure the safety of the state visit and all those in the area.
“The driver was at risk of breaching the Road Traffic Regulations Act, and after a brief conversation with officers the motorist left the area.
“No arrests were made and no vehicles were seized.
“We have been clear with the public that an enhanced police presence would be in place due to the state visit.”
Just six members of royal family joined US president for lunch in state dining room
15:20
,
Tara Cobham
Just six members of the royal family joined the US president for lunch in the state dining room – the King, Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
They were also joined by Mr Trump’s entourage and James Roscoe, who is the new interim ambassador to the US in place of Lord Mandelson, and the King’s key aides.
The Duchess of Edinburgh has left for an overseas tour and the Duke of Edinburgh is also away on a foreign trip.
The Princess Royal was not at the lunch.
Trumps arrive at St George’s Chapel
15:18
,
Tara Cobham
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have arrived at the Galilee Porch entrance to St George’s Chapel.
They were greeted by the Dean of Windsor, the Right Reverend Christopher Cocksworth, and Chapter Clerk Charlotte Manley.
Mr and Mrs Trump will privately pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II by laying a wreath at her tomb.
They will then hear a performance by a group of young choristers and have a tour of the chapel, which is the resting place of 11 monarchs including Henry VIII.
