Donald Trump Arrives in UK for State Visit, Embraces Royal Pageantry at Windsor Castle:

LONDON, Sept. 17 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in the United Kingdom today for a two-day state visit, stepping onto the historic grounds of Windsor Castle under gray skies and light rain. Despite the weather, Trump appeared in high spirits — fitting for a man who has long admired the pomp and grandeur of the British monarchy. Trump, known for his flair for spectacle, has never hidden his fascination with the British royal family. During a previous visit to Scotland, he openly praised Britain’s tradition of ceremonial pageantry. “I hate to say it, but nobody does it like you people in terms of the pomp and ceremony,” he remarked at the time. That admiration was again on display as he arrived at Windsor Castle, the thousand-year-old royal residence that has housed more than 40 monarchs since its founding by William the Conqueror. “Windsor is amazing,” Trump said earlier this week, signaling his excitement for the visit. Though his itinerary is largely private — due to tight security and the potential for protests — Trump is expected to receive the full ceremonial welcome typically reserved for foreign leaders. However, unlike recent visits from heads of state like French President Emmanuel Macron, there will be no public horse-drawn carriage procession through Windsor’s historic streets. Officials cited logistical challenges and safety concerns for the decision. Still, the British hosts are set to roll out the red carpet behind closed doors. Trump will be honored with a guard of honor, a formal welcome from royal family members, and a lavish state banquet in one of the castle’s grand halls. It’s a charm offensive the UK hopes will strengthen ties with one of its most controversial yet influential allies. The visit is politically sensitive on both sides of the Atlantic. In the UK, protests are expected in major cities, with many critical of Trump’s policies and past comments. In the U.S., the visit comes at a time when Trump is campaigning for re-election and looking to bolster his image as a respected global leader. Despite the political undercurrents, the former president appears focused on the grandeur of the occasion. The combination of royal tradition and diplomatic theater is a stage tailor-made for Trump, who understands — and enjoys — the power of spectacle. This visit to Windsor Castle may lack the visibility of past royal events, but it underscores the continued importance of ceremonial diplomacy. For Trump, it's also a return to a place he openly reveres, a setting where history, tradition, and showmanship blend into a moment tailor-made for headlines. As the visit unfolds, all eyes will be on Windsor — not just for the politics, but for the pageantry.

NEWS