Donald Trump arrives in Britain for second state visit, set to meet King Charles at Windsor

President Donald Trump landed in Britain late Tuesday for a two‑day state visit that will include meetings with King Charles III and a ceremonial stay at Windsor Castle, British and U.S. officials said.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived at Stansted Airport aboard Air Force One just after 9 p.m. and were met on the tarmac by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. They were scheduled to be flown by Marine One to the U.S. ambassador’s residence, Winfield House, in Regent’s Park for the first night of the visit.

Speaking before departure from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Trump described King Charles as “an elegant gentleman” and said he has a long friendship with the then‑prince. He called the invitation a “great honour” and noted that the sovereign will host parts of the visit at Windsor rather than at Buckingham Palace, which is undergoing a major refurbishment that officials say is scheduled to run until 2027.

The state programme will include a ceremonial welcome and inspection of troops at Windsor, a carriage procession involving Princess Catherine, a royal flypast, and a grand state banquet. Trump is also due to travel to the prime minister’s country residence, Chequers, during his short stay.

Security operations around Windsor and central London were extensive. Police arrested two men, both 37, on suspicion of flying drones in areas subject to temporary air restrictions brought in for the visit. Thames Valley Police said one arrest was made in the village of Datchet, near Windsor, and another in the Brentford area of west London after reports of drones over Windsor Great Park.

Protesters gathered outside Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening, holding placards that opposed the visit and calling for the president to leave. A separate group of Trump supporters was also visible near the castle grounds.

The visit marks Trump’s second state visit to the United Kingdom; his first official state visit took place in June 2019, when he met the late Queen Elizabeth II and stayed at Winfield House. French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife stayed at Windsor during their state visit in July, after Buckingham Palace was selected for refurbishment as the principal royal residence undergoes work.

The trip has produced political debate in Britain. Labour officials had expressed concern that Trump might criticise Prime Minister Keir Starmer on matters including free‑speech issues related to domestic legislation. Allies of the president, however, told reporters the focus of the visit would be ceremonial and symbolic, centred on Windsor and the state banquet, and that Trump was likely to limit public criticism of British political figures during the short itinerary.

Downing Street said arrangements had been made to balance the ceremonial elements of the visit with security needs and diplomatic protocol. The palace will host official events for the president and first lady, and the president is scheduled to meet both the king and Queen Camilla during the visit.

Officials have described the visit as a significant diplomatic moment and a reaffirmation of the U.S.-U.K. relationship. Trump reiterated that his relationship with the United Kingdom is strong and praised the monarch’s role in representing the country.

The president’s programme in Britain is tightly scheduled and security precautions will limit his movement on the first full day, with officials saying he will remain on the private Windsor estate before a fuller public programme in the following days. Authorities have warned that further temporary restrictions on airspace and local streets may be imposed as required for security and ceremonial events.