By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The United Kingdom has hosted United States President Donald Trump on his second state visit, welcoming him with pomp and ceremony even as public protests shadowed the occasion.
On Wednesday, King Charles III received Trump at Windsor Castle before scheduled trade discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the prime minister’s country retreat. The visit coincides with sensitive negotiations on technology, civil nuclear energy, and tariffs, with British officials hoping to secure concessions on metal duties.
Trump, who arrived in London on Tuesday night with First Lady Melania Trump, appeared buoyed by the lavish reception. “A lot of things here warm my heart,” he said, recalling his Scottish roots and ties to the UK, including two golf courses. The US president described Charles, who is receiving treatment for cancer, as “my friend.”
The ceremonial programme, conducted largely behind closed doors, included a private welcome from Prince William and Catherine, a carriage procession through Windsor grounds, and a wreath-laying at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb. Trump also observed a military band performance, capped by a historic joint flypast of US and British F-35 fighter jets alongside the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows. The day was to conclude with a white-tie banquet hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Despite the grandeur, opposition to Trump’s visit was visible. Dozens of protesters gathered outside Windsor Castle on Tuesday, and police reported four arrests after images of Trump and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein were projected onto the castle walls. Polls continue to show Trump is widely unpopular among Britons.
The visit has political stakes for Starmer, who is under pressure following the dismissal of UK ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson over ties to Epstein. Analysts note that Starmer may have extended the invitation too readily, without securing firm trade commitments.
Foreign policy is also on the agenda. Starmer is expected to press Trump on support for Ukraine, though the US president has offered little beyond criticism of Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Sharp differences remain over Gaza, with Britain preparing to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations — a move opposed by Washington.
While Trump praised his royal hosts, critics argue the state visit highlights the gulf between official courtesies and public sentiment, leaving the outcome of trade talks and foreign policy engagement uncertain.
