A Windsor Welcome and London Protests: Trump’s Return to UK Begins
WINDSOR, UK – September 17, 2025 – President Donald Trump’s return to the United Kingdom on a formal state visit began Wednesday with a ceremonial meeting with King Charles III at Windsor Castle, an event juxtaposed against a backdrop of large-scale protests in the capital.
The President and First Lady Melania Trump were greeted by the monarch for the official engagement, which featured a Guard of Honour inspection by the renowned Coldstream Guards. This visit marks a significant diplomatic moment, as President Trump becomes the first elected leader in modern history to be honoured with two state visits by a British monarch, the first having been hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.
The day’s agenda is set to culminate in a grand state banquet at the castle this evening, where the Trumps will be guests of the King and Queen Camilla alongside senior members of the royal family and UK government.
However, the pageantry in Windsor was counterbalanced by the voices of dissent in London. Thousands of protesters gathered in central London, mobilizing to express strong opposition to the former and current U.S. President’s policies and rhetoric. Organized by a coalition of activist groups, the demonstrations have been described by authorities as large but largely peaceful, with a significant police presence deployed to manage the crowds.
The visit is seen as a reinforcement of the enduring “special relationship” between the two nations, though it highlights the deep political divisions that Trump’s figure continues to inspire. The UK government, currently led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has underscored the importance of the strategic alliance, while opposition figures have been vocal in their criticism of the red-carpet reception.
President Trump’s itinerary is expected to include further political meetings in the coming days, with analysts keenly observing the talks for their potential impact on transatlantic trade and foreign policy.
— Jean-Luc Lefèvre, Foreign Correspondent