The State Visit to the United Kingdom by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, gets under way in just a few hours time. The Queen will welcome Mr Trump and his wife, Melania, to the country as they begin a three day trip. As this controversial and historic State Visit finally starts, Royal Central runs down what to expect from day one.
Buckingham Palace
You’re going to see a lot of the Queen’s official residence in the next 24 hours. While Elizabeth II usually offers an official welcome to incoming Heads of Sate at Horse Guards Parade before a carriage ride down the Mall to Buckingham Palace, the Trump visit will be different.
The US President and First Lady will arrive at Buckingham Palace for their official welcome where the Queen will be joined by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall as the event gets under way.
The President will inspect a Guard of Honour inside the grounds of Buckingham Palace, joined by the Prince of Wales as he reviews troops from Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards. There will also be gun salutes at the Tower of London and Green Park.
As usual, the Queen will offer a lunch to her guests at Buckingham Palace. It’s expected that the Duke of Sussex will join Prince Charles and Camilla on the royal guest list for this part of the visit. Afterwards, they will all head to the Picture Gallery of the Palace to review a special private exhibition of items from the Royal Collection with links to the United States.
Westminster Abbey
President and Mrs Trump will then travel to Westminster Abbey where they will be joined by the Duke of York. Mr Trump will lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior as the visitors pay their respects to all those who have lost their lives in conflict. Donald and Melania Trump, along with Prince Andrew, will then be given a tour of the Abbey.
Clarence House
The US President and First Lady will meet up with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall again in the late afternoon. They will visit Clarence House for tea with Charles and Camilla as well as informal and private discussions.
State Banquet
The day ends as it begins, at Buckingham Palace. The Queen will host a State Banquet for Donald and Melania Trump with many of the Royal Family, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, in attendance.
The meal, held in the Ballroom at the Palace, will include the showpiece speeches of the State Visit with both the Queen and President Trump making addresses.
The meal concludes day one. Royal Central will have all the details as they happen.
