The US State Visit is about to begin – here’s what to expect from day one

The US President, Donald Trump, is about to officially begin an historic second State Visit to the UK. The Royal Family is at the heart of a day packed with pageantry and an unprecedented show of pomp. Here’s what to expect from the opening of this State Visit.

William and Kate lead the way

The Prince and Princess of Wales will get the State Visit started when they greet President Trump and the US First Lady, Melania Trump, inside the Windsor estate. The beginning of this historic trip will be marked with a Royal Salute at Windsor and at the Tower of London.

William and Kate will accompany the US President and Mrs Trump to the official welcome ceremony, in another part of the Windsor estate where King Charles and Queen Camilla will welcome them. The Queen is expected to be present despite developing acute sinusitis which forced her to miss the funeral of the Duchess of Kent.

Full ceremonial honours for President Trump

The official welcome will take place inside the Windsor estate. Donald and Melania Trump will be greeted by The King and Queen with the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and the Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, also part of the welcoming party.

A carriage procession through the Windsor estate will then follow with the national anthems of the United Kingdom and the United States played as it begins.

King Charles and President Trump will be at the head of the procession which will sweep past the famous Tower of Windsor Castle before continuing to the Quadrangle.

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will provide a Sovereign’s Escort for the Carriage Procession.

Extra honours for President Trump at Windsor Castle

On arrival at the Castle, the national anthems will be played again. An extra honour has been laid on for President Trump. All three State Colours of the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards and Scots Guards will greet the party. Usually, just one is on parade.

The Guard of Honour will be joined by a Foot Guards Massed Band.

King Charles, Queen Camilla and Donald and Melania Trump will be escorted to a raised dais before the US President and The King inspect a Guard of Honour.

They will then all watch a Rank and March past of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, the Household Cavalry and the Foot
Guards Guard of Honour.

Lunch with the Royal Family

At the end of the official welcome ceremony, The King will invite the US President into Windsor Castle where the Trumps will be staying for the night.

The Royal Family will join King Charles and Queen Camilla for a lunch with Donald and Melania Trump before they all view an exhibition of items from the Royal Collection, chosen to reflect the relationship between the US and the UK.

Poignant moment for Donald Trump

In the afternoon. President Trump will be given another rare honour as he is invited to spend time in private reflection at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II. He will lay flowers on her grave inside St. George’s Chapel.

Donald and Melania Trump will also be given a tour of St. George’s Chapel before listening to a special performance by the Chapel choir.

Military parade

Another extra element has been added to this first day for President Trump, underlining the importance being placed on the State Visit by the UK.

Alongside The King and Queen and the Prime Minister, the US President and First Lady will watch a Beating the Retreat before enjoying a flypast that includes the Red Arrows.

Spectacular State Banquet to end day one

At the end of the first day will come the State Banquet. King Charles and Queen Camilla will be joined by the Royal Family for a spectacular gala evening that will see the women bring out the tiaras in a sparkling showpiece honouring Donald Trump.

The King and the US President will both give keynote speeches, underlining the special relationship, to conclude the beginning of an historic State Visit.