Donald Trump has returned to Britain for his second state visit — and if there’s one thing this country does better than anyone, it’s rolling out the pomp. From the fly-past of the Red Arrows (the Royal Air Force’s famed aerobatic display team) to the glint of polished boots and freshly groomed cavalry horses, Windsor Castle was the picture of pageantry. Add in a banquet menu written in French (the language of Britain’s old rival — très chic, très cheeky!) and you’ve got the very definition of a British royal spectacle!
And while the usual transatlantic royal headlines are dominated by Harry and Meghan, this week it’s all about Trump and King Charles…
🇺🇸 Touchdown & Trump in Windsor
Donald and Melania landed in the UK on Tuesday 16th September, settling briefly at Winfield House (the official residence of the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom), before heading to Windsor Castle. Today, Wednesday 17th September, it was all systems go: a carriage procession through the castle grounds, the Guard of Honour standing to attention, and the household cavalry horses looking as though they’d been shampooed, brushed and blow-dried for the occasion.
Prince William and Kate Middleton were on hand to greet the Trumps, with Kate reportedly chatting warmly with Melania about Windsor Castle’s gardens and the day’s itinerary. Prince William maintained a stately composure, while Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, offered a gracious welcome and exchanged pleasantries with Melania.
đź’‚ Royal Soldiers, Tours, Wreaths & Bagpipes
King Charles III personally escorted the President and First Lady through parts of the castle, highlighting historical features and explaining a few of the castle’s royal traditions. Trump and Melania also laid a wreath at a memorial for the late Queen Elizabeth II, at St. George’s Chapel within Windsor Castle, the final resting place of the late monarch. They paid their respects before embarking on a brief tour of the chapel, which included a choral performance of Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’.
A special touch to the Windsor pageantry came from the bagpipers and military band. The bagpipes played not only the traditional British and military tunes but also included a subtle nod to Trump’s Scottish heritage, adding a slightly personal flourish to the proceedings. The military band performed a mix of classic British ceremonial pieces, including ‘Rule, Britannia!’ and ‘God Save the King’, as well as a sprinkling of American favourites, such as ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ and ‘Yankee Doodle’, bridging the transatlantic relationship in music as smoothly as the royal carriage rolled along the castle grounds.
🍽 The State Banquet: A Feast Fit for a King (and a President)
Held in St. George’s Hall, one of the main ceremonial rooms inside Windsor Castle, the banquet was a masterclass in tradition. 160 guests in white tie, a table so long it could double as a bowling alley, and cutlery that probably outdates half the people in the room.
On the Guestlist…
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent represented the American delegation, while MI6 Chief Sir Richard Moore attended on behalf of the UK government. Business leaders such as media mogul Rupert Murdoch and Apple CEO Tim Cook were also present, reflecting the event’s blend of diplomacy and international business ties. Also, Tiffany Trump, was the only other immediate family member of President Trump to attend.
On the Menu…
Firstly, a cocktail… The Transatlantic Whisky Sour – Johnnie Walker Black with citrus marmalade, pecan foam, and a toasted marshmallow on a star-shaped biscuit!
Watercress panna cotta with parmesan shortbread and a quail egg salad
Organic Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgettes (zucchini), served with vegetables from the royal estates
A vanilla ice cream bombe with a Kentish raspberry sorbet centre, finished with Victoria plums
Vintage wines, including Warre’s 1945 vintage port, chosen not only for its exceptional quality (but also because it was the closest vintage to President Trump’s birth year and presidential number), rare cognacs, even a 1912 (the year Trump’s Scottish mother was born) — though Trump himself doesn’t drink, so it was mostly ceremonial.
🥂 Toasts & A Touch Of Tension
King Charles raised a glass to the ‘special relationship’, praising the enduring ties between the UK and the US. Trump responded with his usual flourish, declaring, “It’s a tremendous honour to be here with such a historic and beautiful monarchy. Nobody does pageantry like the British — absolutely first class!”
The speeches were followed by polite applause inside St. George’s Hall, while outside Windsor’s gates protesters waved placards and voiced their dissent, ensuring the world saw both the glittering ceremony within and the political tensions beyond. It was a perfect snapshot of a visit that blended royal spectacle, diplomacy, and a dash of controversy.
🤝 Chequers – Where Diplomacy Meets the Countryside
After a night of royal pageantry at Windsor Castle, President Trump and First Lady Melania are heading to Chequers, the UK Prime Minister’s official country residence. Located in the Buckinghamshire countryside, Chequers has hosted numerous world leaders for informal yet significant talks. Tomorrow, President Trump will meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss topics ranging from AI and nuclear energy to the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
While specific details of their accommodations at Chequers haven’t been disclosed, it’s customary for visiting dignitaries to stay in the residence’s guest quarters, ensuring both security and comfort.
The visit underscores the enduring ‘special relationship’ between the UK and the US, even as both leaders navigate complex global challenges.
🤔 Final Thoughts
From the roar of the Red Arrows to the sparkle of Windsor silverware, Trump’s visit has been a reminder of Britain at its most ceremonial. Between the carriage processions, the meticulously groomed cavalry horses, and a truly scrumptious state banquet to a Transatlantic Whisky Sour and the 1945 vintage port, it was pageantry at its finest.
Tomorrow will be all about politics at Chequers, but tonight was about a King and a President proving that a transatlantic duo can still bring pageantry and politics together in style. It was glittering, grand, and yes — a little bit bonkers in the very best British way.
Until next time… keep it Royal!
– Joanne
