Britain Rolls Out Supersized Royal Welcome for Trump’s Second State Visit Amid Protests and Epstein Shadows
Britain Rolls Out Supersized Royal Welcome for Trump’s Second State Visit Amid Protests and Epstein Shadows, as King Charles III hosts the US president at Windsor Castle with unprecedented pomp, including a carriage procession and joint flypast, while thousands demonstrate in London and activists project controversial images onto the historic site.
This extraordinary event on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, marks Donald Trump as the first US president to receive a second state visit to the United Kingdom, blending centuries-old tradition with modern geopolitical tensions. From a ceremonial arrival at Windsor Castle to a lavish banquet, the UK pulled out all the stops to flatter the 79-year-old Republican leader, known for his fascination with the British royals. However, the spectacle unfolded behind closed doors and under the heaviest security in living memory, shielding Trump from public view and noisy protesters who gathered to voice opposition to his policies and past controversies. With the shadow of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein looming—exacerbated by projections of images linking Trump, Epstein, and Prince Andrew onto Windsor Castle—the visit has stirred debates on diplomacy, security, and the UK’s “special relationship” with the US. As Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to leverage the occasion for economic gains, including a £31 billion tech investment announcement, the two-day trip highlights both the allure of royal soft power and the challenges of engaging an unpredictable ally.
A Historic Second Visit: Unprecedented Pomp and Pageantry
Trump’s arrival in the UK on Tuesday evening set the stage for a visit steeped in symbolism and grandeur. Landing by helicopter at the US ambassador’s residence in London with First Lady Melania Trump, the president expressed warmth towards Britain, noting his Scottish heritage through his mother and ownership of two golf resorts in the country. “A lot of things here warm my heart,” Trump told reporters, describing King Charles as “my friend.” The sentiment reflects Trump’s long-standing obsession with the royals, evidenced by his social media posts, including a 2024 tweet crowing “LONG LIVE THE KING!” with a fake crown-edited image of himself.
Wednesday’s itinerary began with Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, welcoming the Trumps at Windsor Castle, the royal family’s historic home for nearly 1,000 years. King Charles III and Queen Camilla then joined for a carriage procession through the estate grounds, featuring the opulent Irish State Coach. The military ceremonial welcome was billed as the largest in living memory, with 1,300 troops, 120 horses, and a guard of honour surpassing even Trump’s 2019 visit under Queen Elizabeth II. A joint flypast by US and UK F-35 jets, alongside the RAF’s Red Arrows, marked a first for any state visit, symbolising military alliance.
The Trumps laid a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb, honouring the late monarch who hosted Trump’s first state visit. The day culminated in a white-tie state banquet at Windsor Castle, where Trump and Charles exchanged speeches amid gilded halls and priceless artefacts. British officials described the pageantry as tailored to Trump’s tastes, aiming to foster goodwill amid his unpredictable stance on issues like tariffs and NATO. The entire event was confined to Windsor, away from London, to minimise public exposure and protest risks.
Charles, 76, undergoing cancer treatment, appeared in good spirits, engaging warmly with Trump. The king’s role is ceremonial, but his soft power—through hospitality—could influence Trump’s views on UK interests, such as post-Brexit trade. This visit, the first by a foreign leader to receive two state invitations in UK history, underscores the monarchy’s diplomatic value.
Tight Security and Protests: Keeping Trump Out of Sight
A massive security operation, involving thousands of police, drones, and airspace restrictions over Windsor, ensured the visit proceeded without incident. The decision to host events entirely behind closed doors and outside London was deliberate, given polls showing Trump’s unpopularity among Britons—only 22% view him favourably, per a YouGov survey in August 2025. This contrasts with his 2019 visit, which drew massive protests with the infamous “Trump baby” blimp.
Despite the barriers, protesters made their voices heard. Around 70 demonstrators gathered outside Windsor Castle, chanting against Trump’s policies on climate, immigration, and women’s rights. Late Tuesday, activists projected images of Trump with Epstein onto the castle walls, highlighting controversial ties. Four people were arrested for this act, which referenced Epstein’s scandals involving Prince Andrew and others. London Mayor Sadiq Khan, a vocal Trump critic, said the president “has fanned the flames of divisive politics around the world.” Thousands more protested in central London, with banners reading “Dump Trump” and fake news clippings.
The Epstein shadow is particularly awkward for the royals and Starmer. The late financier, convicted in 2008 and dying in custody in 2019 amid sex-trafficking charges, had ties to Prince Andrew, leading to the duke’s 2022 settlement in a civil case. Starmer recently sacked UK Ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson over Epstein links, amid a furore involving fake quotes and images. Trump has denied wrongdoing in Epstein matters, but fake news stories, like a White House-posted magazine cover of him as king, have fuelled satire.
Political Agenda: Trade, Tariffs, and Global Issues
Thursday shifts to politics, with Starmer hosting Trump at Chequers for talks on trade, Ukraine, Gaza, and NATO. Starmer hopes to refine a post-Brexit trade deal and secure US investments. A highlight was GSK’s announcement of a $30 billion investment in US pharma over five years, boosting ties. However, Trump’s tariff threats—up to 20% on imports—and unpredictable foreign policy pose risks. Plans to slash US steel tariffs were shelved hours before the visit.
Analysts like Rafael Behr warn Starmer is “betting on an America that may no longer exist.” Trump’s home troubles, including Charlie Kirk’s killing, may influence discussions on extremism. David Van Reybrouck cautioned against letting Kirk’s death become Trump’s “Reichstag fire.”
Public and Media Reactions
Reactions are polarised. Supporters praise the “special relationship,” while critics decry the cost—estimated at £10 million—and Epstein links. Social media exploded with memes of fake crowns and protests. X posts showed live footage of the carriage ride and flypast. One user quipped: “Trump gets the royal treatment while Brits protest—irony at its finest.”
Media coverage was extensive, with BBC and Guardian live blogs detailing events. In South Africa, where Trump has business interests, outlets like News24 noted the visit’s trade implications.
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