Climate protesters disrupt Republican gala at Windsor as Trump begins UK state visit
Two demonstrators removed from sold-out dinner at Windsor Guildhall; separate projection stunt at Windsor Castle prompts four arrests
Climate activists disrupted a sold-out Republican Overseas UK State Visit Dinner at Windsor Guildhall on the evening of President Donald Trump's arrival in the United Kingdom, shouting slogans and displaying a banner before being removed by event organisers and attendees.
Video circulating on social media and accounts from organisers show two protesters interrupting the three-course gala minutes after guests had taken their seats. Campaigners shouted “if you drill baby drill, how many will you kill?” and held up a banner reading “oily money kills” while drummers beat their instruments; one protester was filmed being carried from the dining room by his hands and feet as other diners pulled the pair toward the exit.
Greg Swenson, chairman of Republicans Overseas UK, told GB News the pair had "snuck in as people were settling in" and that they "had to be dragged out." Thames Valley Police said they received a report of a public order incident at the private event at approximately 8.45 p.m.; two individuals were removed by the event organisers and no arrests were made.
The Windsor disruption came as President Trump landed at London Stansted for a two-day state visit hosted at Windsor Castle by King Charles. Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing a major refurbishment, and the president is staying at Windsor during the trip.
Separately, police arrested four people on suspicion of malicious communications after images of Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew and Mr Trump were projected on to the walls of Windsor Castle on the night before the visit. Chief Superintendent Felicity Parker of Thames Valley Police said officers responded swiftly to stop the unauthorised projection and that a thorough investigation was under way.
The projection followed another activist action earlier in the day in which campaigners unveiled a large photograph of Mr Trump with Jeffrey Epstein outside the castle. A group calling itself "Everyone Hates Elon" said it had raised more than £30,000 via a crowdfunding appeal to display the image during the visit.
The dinner disruption and projection stunt form part of a wider wave of opposition planned for Mr Trump's visit. Thousands are expected to protest in central London on Wednesday, organised by the Stop Trump Coalition, with a march assembling near Parliament Square in the afternoon. Metropolitan Police said about 1,600 officers would be deployed around Westminster for the demonstrations.
Robin Wells, director of Fossil Free London, framed the Windsor dinner interruption in climate terms, saying the world faces cascading risks from climate impacts and criticising policies she said favoured fossil fuel interests. Organisers of the central London march include around 50 groups opposed to the visit.
Police and event organisers said the Windsor Guildhall interruption was contained and that no charges had been brought in connection with the private-event disturbance. Investigations into the projection at Windsor Castle remain ongoing, and Thames Valley Police said they would provide further updates when appropriate.
The state visit is scheduled to include formal engagements with senior members of the royal family as well as public events in London. Security and planning for the visit have accounted for multiple protests and high-profile direct actions across the capital and in Windsor during the two-day stay.