Windsor Castle, UK, September 18(HS): US President Donald Trump on Wednesday commenced his historic second state visit to the United Kingdom with a day marked by regal pomp, formal ceremonies, and key diplomatic engagements, underscoring the deep and enduring UK-US special relationship.
Upon arrival, Trump and First Lady Melania were warmly greeted by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, before receiving an official welcome from King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle—the world’s oldest continuously inhabited castle. A grand carriage procession, 41-gun salutes, and a military parade involving 1,300 troops and 120 horses set the tone for one of the largest ceremonial guards of honour in recent memory. The iconic Red Arrows performed a flypast with colorful smoke trails in red, white, and blue, and the inspection of a guard of honour, all aimed at honoring the US president, a noted admirer of British tradition.
In a speech at the state banquet held in the magnificent St George’s Hall, King Charles praised the “unshakeable trust” and shared commitment to liberty between the two nations. He highlighted the countries’ joint efforts to deter aggression in Europe and support for Ukraine amid global tensions.
President Trump, seated beside the King and the Princess of Wales, described the visit as one of the highest honours of his life and humorously hoped it would be the last time he received a second state visit. He lauded the unique ties of culture, tradition, and ancestry that bind the UK and US, emphasizing their shared destiny and mutual respect. Trump’s speech interwove personal compliments to the British monarchy with strategic signals reinforcing the alliance’s importance.
The state banquet menu offered a culinary fusion reflecting British and American tastes, including Hampshire watercress panna cotta and organic Norfolk chicken ballotine. An intriguing Transatlantic Whisky Sour, blending Johnnie Walker whisky with citrus and pecan foam, was specially created for the occasion. Virtually 160 guests attended, comprising a blend of political figures, royalty, tech magnates and notable sports personalities.In attendance were prominent political figures including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside tech leaders like Apple’s Tim Cook and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, and media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
Security during the visit was stringent, featuring anti-drone measures and decoys, while protesters gathered in central London expressing dissent, notably projecting images linking Trump to controversial figures such as Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle.
Trump’s itinerary concludes with a planned meeting at Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s country residence, Chequers, followed by a roundtable with top technology executives. The visit, clearly orchestrated with both ceremonial grandeur and subtle diplomatic messaging, aims to strengthen continued cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom amidst ongoing global challenges.
—————
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
