President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are arriving in the United Kingdom today for a historic second state visit, where the president will meet with senior U.K. officials to strengthen ties with one of America’s closest allies. The visit is historic because Trump will become the first elected political leader in modern times to be hosted for two state visits by a British monarch.
During a background call on Monday with reporters, White House officials said the trip will underscore the deep connections between the United States and the United Kingdom.
“This historic second state visit is set to highlight and renew the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. At the same time, the visit will recognize and celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States,” a White House official told reporters during a background call previewing the trip.
Timing and Context of the Visit
Trump’s arrival comes at a challenging moment for U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is navigating growing discontent within his own party and preparing for a pivotal conference speech. The U.K. government is aiming to impress the president with a display of royal and military pageantry while keeping him away from sensitive locations such as central London, and avoiding potentially contentious topics like immigration and free speech.
Tuesday: Arrival at Windsor Castle
Trump and Melania will touch down on Air Force One and be welcomed by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, U.S. Ambassador Warren Stephens, and Viscount Hood, the king’s lord-in-waiting. From there, the president will head directly to Windsor Castle, where he will spend the night. No public events are scheduled for Tuesday, though protesters are expected to demonstrate along the local high street near Windsor.
Wednesday: Royal Salutes and State Ceremonies
The state visit’s ceremonial highlights will take place on Wednesday. Trump and the first lady will be formally greeted with a royal salute fired simultaneously from the east lawn of Windsor Castle and the Tower of London. They will then proceed on a carriage ride through the Windsor estate with King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, flanked by armed forces and accompanied by three military bands representing the Royal Marines, the army, and the RAF.
Upon arrival, the Trumps will be welcomed by a guard of honour before enjoying lunch in the state dining room. The royals will then lead them on a tour of the royal collection, followed by a visit to St George’s Chapel to lay a wreath on the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II. While there, the president and first lady will be given a tour of the chapel and enjoy a performance by the chapel choir.
Trump’s first engagement with Prime Minister Starmer will occur on Wednesday afternoon during the Beating the Retreat military ceremony. Weather permitting, a flypast by the Red Arrows and U.S. F-35 jets will take place. The day will conclude with the traditional white-tie banquet at Windsor Castle, during which King Charles and President Trump will deliver speeches.
Thursday: Bilateral Talks and Business Engagements at Chequers
On Thursday, Trump will leave Windsor to visit Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country estate, where he will be greeted by Starmer, a guard of honour, and a band of bagpipers. The leaders will tour the Winston Churchill archives before sitting down for their official bilateral meeting. Following the talks, they will host a reception with business leaders, including representatives from GSK, Microsoft, and Rolls-Royce.
Trump and Starmer will have lunch together and hold a joint press conference. Meanwhile, Melania Trump will remain at Windsor Castle for a tour of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and the Royal Library before joining her husband at Chequers for their return flight to the United States.
