Former US President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania began a state visit to the UK on 17/9. The two-day visit came at the invitation of King Charles III, which was personally delivered to Trump by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his visit to the US in late February.

Prime Minister Starmer described the invitation as "unprecedented" and "historic," as previous US presidents had only been invited for one state visit to the UK during their term. Trump previously made a state visit to the UK in 2019, hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.

The British media described the event as a significant occasion between the two countries. King Charles deployed "crown diplomacy" with the most formal ceremonies to welcome Trump and his wife.

Former US President Donald Trump (right) with King Charles III (center) inspecting the honor guard at Windsor Castle, UK on 17/9. Photo: AFP

Former US President Donald Trump (right) with King Charles III (center) inspecting the honor guard at Windsor Castle, UK on 17/9. Photo: AFP

Air Force One carrying Trump and Melania arrived in London on the night of 16/9. After spending the night at Winfield House, the residence of the US ambassador to London, Warren Stephens, Trump traveled by Marine One helicopter to the Walled Garden at Windsor Castle on the morning of 17/9.

Allowing a helicopter to land at Windsor Castle was a rare exception made for Trump, as the structure, considered the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, is very sensitive to the noise and vibrations from helicopters.

Prince William and Princess Catherine greeted Trump and Melania at the helipad. King Charles and Queen Camilla then welcomed them at Victoria Lodge within the castle, as 41 gun salutes were fired.

King Charles and Trump boarded the Irish State Coach, a horse-drawn carriage, and traveled through the castle estate. This historic carriage, built in 1851, was used by Queen Victoria from 1861 and became a central mode of transport in major British royal events in the 19th century and on special occasions thereafter.

Trump typically uses the armored vehicle known as "The Beast" during foreign trips, but this time, he seemed to enjoy riding with King Charles in the four-horse-drawn carriage.

During his 2019 UK visit, Trump was unable to travel in this carriage due to security concerns raised by the US Secret Service. This time, the royal family arranged the welcoming ceremony within Windsor Castle, limiting public access, so Trump could comfortably ride in the non-bulletproof carriage while ensuring his safety.

Following behind was the Scottish State Coach carrying Queen Camilla and Melania. Prince William and Princess Catherine shared the third carriage with Ambassador Stephens and his wife.

The UK also deployed 80 soldiers from the Household Cavalry Regiment on horseback to escort the carriages. Soldiers from the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, British Army, and Royal Marines lined the route to the courtyard of Windsor Castle, where the welcoming ceremony took place.

The British King and the former US President in the royal carriage. Video: X/@EricLDaugh

The King and Trump inspected the honor guard, comprised of soldiers in red uniforms and bearskin hats, and then attended a luncheon in the castle's State Dining Room. The luncheon menu has not been released.

After lunch, King Charles and Queen Camilla showed Trump and Melania US-related artifacts from the Royal Collection. The former US president visited the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II in St. George's Chapel within Windsor Castle and laid a wreath.

Trump then walked the red carpet to the East Lawn of the castle to witness the 17th-century military musical ceremony, Beating Retreat, performed by 200 musicians, a first for a visiting foreign head of state.

The event concluded with a display by 9 Hawk T1 aircraft from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. The planes trailed red, white, and blue smoke as they flew past. The display was originally planned to include 4 US F-35 fighter jets, but this was canceled due to unsuitable weather. The royal family members and Trump then moved inside the castle for tea.

The UK Ministry of Defence described the grand welcome on 17/9 as "unprecedented," involving 1,300 military personnel.

Trump's first day in the UK ended with a banquet at Windsor Castle, attended by 160 guests. The banquet took place at the massive 50-meter-long Waterloo table, elaborately decorated.

Trump does not consume alcohol, but the bar still offered a variety of symbolic drinks, including a "trans-Atlantic whiskey sour" cocktail modified with orange marmalade, signifying a connection between the two cultures. The menu also featured two wines produced in 1945, alluding to Trump being the 45th and 47th US president, and 1912, the year Trump's mother was born.

"This is truly one of the greatest honors of my life," Trump said at the banquet. He described the relationship between the US and the UK as "priceless and everlasting".

Former US President Donald Trump speaks at a banquet at Windsor Castle on 17/9. Photo: Reuters

Former US President Donald Trump speaks at a banquet at Windsor Castle on 17/9. Photo: Reuters

Observers noted that UK officials hoped to translate Trump's fondness for the country into action.

Prime Minister Starmer planned to push for a new technology agreement between the UK and the US, hoping this agreement, along with billions of USD in investment from US tech corporations, would demonstrate the enduring strength of the transatlantic bond, despite differing views on Ukraine, the Middle East, and the future of NATO.

However, Starmer faced several obstacles. Polls showed that Trump was unpopular with the British public, and Starmer himself was facing declining approval ratings and economic challenges. This required the UK leader to demonstrate that the efforts of the royal family and the UK government could translate into national benefits.

Trump met with Starmer at Chequers, the UK prime minister's country estate, on 18/9.

Nhu Tam (According to NBC News, AP, Reuters)