President Trump is getting the royal treatment.
The commander-in-chief was warmly greeted by senior members of the royal family Wednesday as he and first lady Melania Trump arrived in the UK for a historic second state visit.
The president and first lady arrived at Windsor Castle via the Marine One helicopter.
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump were greeted by Prince William and Princess Catherine. POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Trump received a warm welcome from King Charles and Queen Camilla on Wednesday. POOL/AFP via Getty Images
First lady Melania Trump, President Trump, King Charles III and Queen Camilla during the state visit by the president of the United States at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. Getty Images
King Charles III and President Trump in the Irish State Coach during the state visit by the president at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. Getty Images
King Charles heads into the castle ahead of the president’s arrival. via REUTERSUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff were spotted on the ground outside the castle ahead of the ceremonial welcome.
The Trumps were greeted by Prince William and Princess Catherine, who promptly escorted the couple to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla at the castle.
Shortly after their arrival, the Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The POTUS touched down in London Tuesday night for a fleeting but lavish two-day visit, which will see King Charles host a banquet and carriage procession in honor of Trump’s arrival.
The procession and royal salute highlighted a contrast to Trump’s initial state visit in June 2019.
A total of 120 horses and 1,300 British military servicemen are taking part in the ceremonial welcome, which will be complete with a joint UK-US military flypast.
“The Star-Spangled Banner” was performed during the procession. AP
The trip marks Trump’s second state visit to the UK. AFP via Getty Images
The president was seen exchanging laughs with the king upon arrival. POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Members of the Honourable Artillery Company fire a 41-gun royal salute to mark the second state visit by President Trump, from Tower Wharf, by Tower Bridge. AFP via Getty Images
The horse-drawn procession makes its way toward Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on Sept. 17, 2025. POOL/AFP via Getty Images
On Wednesday, the president and first lady Melania Trump arrived at Windsor Castle via the Marine One helicopter. Reuters
The procession and royal salute highlighted a contrast to Trump’s initial state visit in June 2019. Getty Images“The joint flypast by UK and US F-35 aircraft is a demonstration of the strength of the UK-US defense and security relationship,” Britain’s defense ministry said.
Following the procession, the Trumps will have lunch in the State Dining Room with Charles and Camilla.
A lavish banquet is set to take place Wednesday evening, with over 150 guests expected to attend — including royals, politicians, and prominent public figures with ties to both the UK and the US.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, first lady Melania Trump, President Trump, King Charles III and Queen Camilla during the state visit by the president at Windsor Castle on Sept. 17, 2025. Getty Images
The carriage procession arrives at Windsor Castle on day two of President Trump’s second state visit to the UK on September 17, 2025, in Windsor, England. Getty Images
Queen Camilla was accompanied by the first lady in the Scottish State Coach during a horse-drawn procession. POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Meanwhile, Trump and Charles traveled together in a separate carriage during the procession. REUTERS
A total of 120 horses and 1,300 British military servicemen are taking part in the ceremonial welcome. Getty Images
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at Windsor Castle in Windsor, Berkshire, on Sept. 17, 2025. via REUTERSAhead of the dinner, Trump had generously extended an invitation to former British Ambassador to the US Dame Karen Pierce.
The Trumps are staying at Windsor Castle this time, as Buckingham Palace is undergoing extensive renovations scheduled to be completed by 2027.
Security measures, spearheaded by Thames Valley Police, have been significantly intensified in response to Trump’s visit — marking the UK’s largest security operation since the king’s coronation in May 2023.
Trump’s trip will also feature a poignant tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who had welcomed him and Melania on their first state visit in 2019.
President Trump and Britain’s King Charles III review the Guard of Honour after arrival at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. AP
Princess Catherine was seen engaging in conversation with the queen and first lady. Getty Images
The princess opted for a burgundy ensemble for the occasion. POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Members of the Household Division Foot Guards march ahead of the carriage procession through Windsor Castle on Sept. 17, 2025. Getty ImagesThe president is expected to pay his respects to the late monarch, who died in September 2022 at age 96, by laying a wreath on her tomb in St George’s Chapel.
On Thursday, the Trumps will meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, though it just so happens that the UK Parliament is in recess during the president’s visit, meaning he will not make an official address.
