Climate protesters disrupt Republican gala as Trump begins UK state visit

Two climate protesters were removed from a sold-out Republican Overseas UK gala at Windsor Guildhall on Tuesday evening after interrupting a dinner held to mark President Donald Trump's state visit to Britain.

Campaigners shouted slogans and held a banner reading "oily money kills" as drums were beaten while they were escorted from the dining hall, footage from the event shows. Guests at the three-course dinner, held minutes from Windsor Castle where the president is staying, physically removed the pair; one demonstrator was carried out by his hands and feet.

Greg Swenson, chairman of Republicans Overseas UK, told GB News the protesters had "snuck in as people were settling in" and "had to be dragged out - which is their thing. It was actually entertaining." A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said the force received a report of a public order incident at a private event at about 8:45 p.m., that two individuals were removed by event organisers and that no arrests were made.

The Windsor incident was one of a number of demonstrations and stunts aimed at Mr. Trump as he arrived in Britain on Tuesday for a two-day state visit hosted by King Charles at Windsor Castle while Buckingham Palace undergoes refurbishment. Earlier, police arrested four adults on suspicion of malicious communications after images of Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew and Mr. Trump were projected on to the castle. Chief Superintendent Felicity Parker said officers "responded swiftly to stop the projection" and that a "thorough investigation" is under way.

Organisers of the Windsor protest and other campaign groups say the actions form part of wider opposition to Mr. Trump's policies on climate and other issues. Robin Wells, director of Fossil Free London, said the risks posed by climate change amount to "the greatest security threat our world has ever known," and accused the president of pursuing policies that would worsen those risks.

Thousands of protesters are expected in central London on Wednesday, when a march organised by the Stop Trump Coalition will pass through Westminster. Organisers say roughly 50 groups are taking part and police plan an increased presence in the capital; about 1,600 officers will be deployed around Westminster, authorities have said. Road closures were scheduled to allow demonstrators to gather on Parliament Square from midafternoon.

Mr. Trump landed at London Stansted Airport on Tuesday evening and later travelled to Windsor, where he will be hosted for engagements including ceremonial events with the monarch. The state visit has drawn criticism across Britain and prompted a range of planned demonstrations, from large permitted marches in the city to targeted stunts in and around Windsor.

The projection on Windsor Castle followed another activist action outside the castle on Monday, when campaigners displayed a large photograph of Mr. Trump with Jeffrey Epstein. A group calling itself "Everyone Hates Elon" said it had crowdfunded more than £30,000 for the image projection and described the action as part of efforts to confront Mr. Trump's record and associations.

Thames Valley Police said it treats "any unauthorised activity around Windsor Castle extremely seriously" and that it will provide further updates as enquiries continue. The police force said the arrests relating to the projection were made on suspicion of malicious communications and that the investigation is ongoing.

The Windsor Guildhall interruption came as part of a busy first day of the state visit, with further demonstrations and heightened security expected while Mr. Trump is in the UK. Authorities and campaign groups say they intend to manage planned protests through permitted marches and policing operations to avoid escalation and protect public safety.