President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have landed in the U.K. for a state visit that’s rolling out the red carpet—quite literally—with a stay at the historic Windsor Castle.
Fox News reported that this visit, hosted by King Charles III, marks Trump’s second state visit to the U.K., an unprecedented honor for any U.S. president, complete with military pageantry and a grand banquet.
Arriving on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from Washington, D.C., the Trumps were warmly welcomed by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
No public events were planned for that evening, giving the couple a quiet start to their stay at the nearly 1,000-year-old castle, as reported by The Guardian.
The invitation for this second state visit came directly from King Charles III on February 27, 2025, during a meeting in Washington, D.C. Trump, who first visited under Queen Elizabeth II in 2019, now holds the distinction of being the only U.S. president to receive such dual honors from British royalty.
Ahead of their arrival, Windsor Castle was abuzz with preparations, with hundreds of staff ensuring every detail was perfect for this high-profile visit. Security was tightened with a comprehensive drone operation by U.K. police, while an American flag proudly waved outside the castle as early as September 11, 2025.
On September 15, 2025, members of the Blues and Royals were seen rehearsing in Windsor, setting the stage for the military honors that would greet the Trumps. It’s clear the British are sparing no effort to make this visit a spectacle of tradition and respect.
The Trumps are being housed in one of Windsor Castle’s grand guest suites, reserved exclusively for heads of state, offering both luxury and privacy.
As Hilary Fordwich, a British royal expert, noted to Fox News Digital, "They will stay in one of Windsor Castle’s grand guest suites reserved for heads of state."
Festivities kicked off on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, with full military honor guards and the stirring sounds of three brass bands. It’s a display of pomp that underscores the deep ties between the U.S. and the U.K., even if some on the progressive side might scoff at such traditions as outdated.
Yet, there’s something to be said for honoring history and alliances through these grand gestures, rather than dismissing them as mere pageantry for the elite. The left may roll their eyes, but mutual respect between nations isn’t built on trendy hashtags—it’s built on moments like these.
The highlight of the visit is undoubtedly the banquet in St. George’s Hall, where the Waterloo Table, seating up to 160, will be set with over 4,000 pieces, including 200-year-old silver. It takes five days to prepare, and the dress code—white ties for men, designer gowns and tiaras for women—promises a night of timeless elegance.
Menus, written in French as a nod to centuries-old sophistication, won’t be revealed until the banquet night, featuring organic, locally sourced fare from castle gardens. Head Royal Chef Mark Flanagan is tailoring the dishes to blend British and American flavors, ensuring a culinary bridge between the two nations.
While some might call this French-menu tradition a pretentious quirk, it’s a small reminder of how history shapes even the smallest details of diplomacy.
Mock if you must, but there’s value in preserving customs that bind us to the past while fostering future alliances.
Beyond the banquet, the Trumps will view an exhibit of documents and artwork celebrating the special relationship between Britain and the U.S. Windsor Castle itself, built in 1070 by William the Conqueror and expanded over centuries, stands as a living testament to enduring history—much like the ties being reinforced this week.
King Charles III, while constitutionally barred from political involvement, wields what many call the “soft power” of the monarchy through events like this. It’s a subtle but effective way to strengthen bonds without wading into the divisive waters of policy debates that often dominate today’s discourse.
