Trump to Experience Lavish Royal Welcome During UK State Visit
President Donald Trump is set to make a highly anticipated second state visit to the United Kingdom from September 16 to 18, 2023. The visit promises to be a grand affair, featuring a lavish banquet and a royal carriage procession, as confirmed by Buckingham Palace. This visit marks a significant departure from his first state visit in June 2019, with the royal family sparing no expense to welcome the President and First Lady Melania Trump.
Due to ongoing renovations at Buckingham Palace that are expected to last until 2027, the royal couple will host the Trumps at Windsor Castle. Upon arrival, the President and First Lady will be greeted by the United States ambassador to the UK, and subsequently escorted to meet Prince William and Princess Catherine. The royal couple will accompany them to meet King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
A formal royal salute will take place outside the castle, followed by a carriage procession through the picturesque Windsor estate. This public display is designed to highlight the significance of the occasion, with the royal family actively participating in the welcoming ceremony.
The role of the Princess of Wales will be notably enhanced during this visit. She is expected to engage in a joint activity with the First Lady, further showcasing the diplomatic ties between the two nations. A statement from Buckingham Palace noted, “Their Majesties The King and Queen will formally welcome The President and First Lady outside, as a Royal Salute is fired from the East Lawn of Windsor Castle and at the Tower of London.”
Following the procession, the President will join the King and Queen for lunch in the State Dining Room. A poignant moment will also occur as Trump pays his respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The Trumps are set to visit St George’s Chapel, where they will privately lay a wreath on the Queen’s tomb. The palace press release indicated that they will also receive a short tour of the chapel and enjoy a musical performance from the chapel choir.
On the evening of September 17, a grand banquet will be held, expected to host over 150 attendees, including royals, politicians, and prominent figures from both the UK and the US. Notably, Trump has extended an invitation to former British ambassador to the US, Dame Karen Pierce, to attend this prestigious dinner.
The following day, the Trumps will meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. However, it is important to note that the UK parliament will be in recess during the President’s visit, meaning he will not deliver an official address.
This visit underscores the enduring diplomatic relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, reinforcing the significance of royal traditions in international relations.
