Trump’s UK state visit unfolds in Windsor – out of public sight

Shiva K Dhakal

National Press Corporation(NPC)

United Kingdom-US President Donald Trump is set to meet King Charles III at Windsor Castle on the first full day of his second state visit to the United Kingdom.

Mr Trump, who arrived in London last night with First Lady Melania Trump, spent the night at Winfield House – the official residence of the US ambassador since 1955. Declaring it was “going to be a big day”, the president now faces a carefully choreographed programme that mixes royal pageantry, trade discussions and diplomacy.

Today’s schedule includes carriage processions, military parades, the Red Arrows and a state banquet. Yet despite months of preparation, BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale says the visit is “mired with potential pitfalls”.

Unlike previous state visits, however, the entire day’s events will remain out of public sight. Protesters have already gathered on the streets of Windsor with anti-Trump placards, while US flags line the high street in welcome. But the president will see neither opponents nor supporters. All engagements will take place behind the walls of Windsor Castle or at Chequers, the prime minister’s country retreat, under one of the UK’s largest security operations.

While the ceremonial focus is expected to provide the grandeur Mr Trump seeks, critics argue the decision to shield the visit from public view reflects both political sensitivities and concerns over disruption. For now, the spotlight rests on Windsor, where King Charles and Queen Camilla will host the president in what is being framed as a private but symbolically powerful moment in UK-US relations.