Former U.S. President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump have arrived in the United Kingdom for an official state visit. Their trip began with an overnight stay at Windsor Castle after landing from Air Force One. The visit follows an invitation extended earlier this year by King Charles III, aiming to reinforce diplomatic ties between the U.S. and the UK amid complex political dynamics.
The formal invitation was delivered in July by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a visit to the White House. It was later confirmed by the Royal Family via social media, accompanied by a photo of the Trumps and royal family members from a previous visit in 2019. The announcement stirred mixed reactions, with some members of the public expressing disapproval over the invitation.
Upon arrival in the UK, the Trumps were received by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, U.S. Ambassador Warren Stephens, and Viscount Hood, the King’s lord-in-waiting. According to a lip reader interviewed by the Express, the initial exchange between Donald and Melania Trump at the top of the aircraft stairs involved brief comments about the weather and caution over the wet stairs.
Trump reportedly remarked, “Ooh, it’s cold. I’m glad we’re wearing our coats,” and then warned Melania to be careful while descending the steps. Most of their conversation with officials upon landing focused on pleasantries and logistics regarding the journey to Windsor Castle.
The following day, the Trumps will be welcomed with a royal salute from both Windsor Castle and the Tower of London. They are also expected to ride through the Windsor estate in a royal carriage alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Notably, while in the UK, the Trumps will not be attending any formal engagements in London itself, focusing instead on royal and diplomatic events at Windsor.