In the end, they were all smiles. The US State Visit wound to a close in Portsmouth with the Queen bidding a formal farewell to President Donald Trump soon after both had taken part in commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
The goodbyes, as is usual with a State Visit, were short. A brief exchange of words, another photocall and the two heads of state parted company after a visit that attracted attention around the world.
The Prince of Wales accompanied the Queen for the formal farewell while the US First Lady, Melania Trump, was also present. Elizabeth II and Donald Trump shared smiles as they took leave of each other with the photocall taking place in front of the UK and US flags.
The third and final day of the US State Visit had seen the Queen, Prince Charles and President and Mrs Trump attend the UK national event marking 75 years since the Normandy landings. They were joined by leaders of all the allied nations involved in D-Day as well as by German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.
During the commemorations, President Trump read out the message spoken by President Roosevelt as he addressed the United States by radio as D-Day unfolded.
The Queen closed proceedings with a heartfelt speech in which she referenced the words her father, King George VI, had used during his own address at the time of the landings on June 6th 1944. Elizabeth II then went on to pay tribute to all those who fought, ending by telling veterans present that ”It is with humility and pleasure, on behalf of the entire country – indeed the whole free world – that I say to you all, thank you.”
After the event had ended, the Queen, the Prince of Wales and President and Mrs Trump met some of the veterans attending the commemorations before their formal farewell concluded the trip.
The US State Visit to the UK began on June 3rd when President Trump received an official welcome at Buckingham Palace with a State Banquet following the same evening. During his stay in the UK, he visited Westminster Abbey to leave a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. He also met business leaders and politicians and hosted the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at a return dinner, given as a thank you for royal hospitality during the State Visit.