Windsor Castle witnessed a spectacle of pomp and pageantry as former U.S. President Donald Trump was accorded an elaborate royal welcome during his second state visit to the United Kingdom. The ceremony, filled with centuries-old traditions, underscored the importance Britain continues to place on its “special relationship” with the United States.
King Charles and Queen Camilla greeted Trump with full honors at Windsor, where the Union Jack and Stars and Stripes fluttered side by side. A ceremonial guard of honor lined the castle grounds, and the Band of the Grenadier Guards performed both national anthems to mark the occasion.
Later in the evening, Trump attended a grand state dinner hosted in his honor, a dazzling event that drew members of the Royal Family, senior UK government officials, and dignitaries from across the political and diplomatic spectrum. In a speech that combined gratitude with statesmanship, Trump called the dinner “one of the highest honors of my life,” adding that the historic ties between Britain and America “remain unbreakable, bound by shared values, courage, and destiny.”
The banquet itself was a display of royal elegance. Guests dined under the sparkling chandeliers of St. George’s Hall, where portraits of British monarchs from past centuries looked down on the evening’s proceedings. The carefully curated menu highlighted both British culinary heritage and modern refinements, while wines from the Royal Cellar accompanied the meal.
The visit comes at a time of heightened global focus on U.S.–UK relations, with Trump continuing to exert political influence back home and Britain navigating post-Brexit challenges. Political analysts noted that the royal welcome symbolized the UK’s effort to reinforce its longstanding bond with Washington, regardless of political shifts in either country.
As Trump departed Windsor, he praised the warmth of the Royal Family and reiterated America’s “eternal friendship” with Britain. “This visit has been extraordinary,” he remarked. “The history, the culture, and the friendship we share will continue to inspire generations.”