London, September 17 (HS): US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump landed in London Tuesday for a historic second State Visit to the United Kingdom, invited by King Charles III. The visit marks the first time an American president has been honoured twice with a UK State Visit.

Greeted at Stansted Airport by US Ambassador Warren Stephens and Viscount Henry Hood, the Trumps will be formally welcomed at Windsor Castle by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, before meeting King Charles and Queen Camilla. The visit includes a traditional gilded carriage procession, a Guard of Honour with three State Colours, and a grand State Banquet underscoring the close UK-US ties.

Trump praised King Charles as an “elegant gentleman” and highlighted their longstanding friendship. The itinerary also includes a private wreath-laying at St George’s Chapel and viewing of the Royal Collection’s US-related artifacts. Thursday’s schedule features bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, focusing on refining trade deals and promoting multi-billion dollar US investments in the UK, notably in artificial intelligence and financial services sectors.

Security preparations are extensive, with planned protests met by one of the largest police operations. Business leaders anticipate significant economic announcements, such as a £5 billion AI investment from Google and additional private sector funding exceeding £1.25 billion.

The visit symbolizes strengthened transatlantic relations amid shifting geopolitical landscapes and underscores ongoing economic partnership ambitions between the US and UK.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar