LONDON (AP) – Windsor Castle staff are meticulously preparing for a historic second state visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to the U.K. The grand 50-meter-long (164-feet-long) mahogany table is being set, while grooms polish the hooves of horses that will pull royal carriages. The military honor guard practices to ensure every step is executed with precision as King Charles III prepares to welcome the American leader.
This lavish visit, featuring ornate tiaras, brass bands, and a lavish banquet served on 200-year-old silver, highlights Britain's unmatched ability to stage ceremonial pageantry. However, it also serves a diplomatic purpose: strengthening the relationship with a key ally amid political tensions created by Trump's "America First" policies, which have unsettled established trade and security alliances.
Robert Lacey, a royal historian and consultant on the Netflix series "The Crown," remarked, “We’re buttering up to him.” He noted that Trump would not visit Britain without the opportunity to stay at Windsor Castle, pay respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, and meet King Charles.
For over 300 years, the British monarchy, stripped of political power, has remained an effective tool of "soft power," used by the government to cultivate alliances and persuade reluctant partners. State visits are the monarchy's ultimate demonstration of this soft power, with world leaders eager to be treated to the full royal experience.
Queen Elizabeth II hosted a variety of world leaders during her seven-decade reign, including controversial figures like Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and celebrated figures like Nelson Mandela. The royal family has also welcomed the last four U.S. presidents, although not all were formal state visits.
The significance of soft power can be challenging to measure, but it fosters a sense of friendship that may predispose another party to respond favorably to requests, according to Martin Farr, a modern British history expert at Newcastle University. He noted that six years ago, the U.K. sought Trump’s support as it prepared to exit the European Union, and now it aims to secure favorable trade agreements while combating Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Amid changing leadership in both countries, Farr emphasized the importance of flattering Trump and linking him with elements he values, such as the British monarchy and connections to Scotland, where his mother was born. In a strategic move, Prime Minister Keir Starmer rushed to Washington just weeks after Trump's second term began, personally delivering King Charles's invitation for the state visit.
This visit marks the first time a world leader has been granted a second state visit and the first time the invitation was presented in a letter from the king, which Trump showcased to the media. “It’s a great, great honor, and that says at Windsor,” Trump praised during the announcement.
The visit is set to showcase opulence, catering to a president known for his lavish preferences. The Trumps will arrive in the U.K. on Tuesday evening, with the main events commencing the following day. King Charles and Queen Camilla will welcome the Trumps with a carriage ride through the Windsor estate, flanked by armed forces members.
Inside the historic castle, which dates back nearly 1,000 years to William the Conqueror’s era, military bands will play the national anthems of both nations, followed by a formal review of the guard of honor dressed in vibrant scarlet tunics and tall bearskin hats. Months of meticulous rehearsals will ensure that the ceremony unfolds flawlessly, featuring synchronized movements from rifles and boots, as well as perfectly played anthems.
In addition to ceremonial proceedings, the Trumps will view an exhibition showcasing the rich shared history of the U.K. and the U.S., although specific details about the displayed documents and artwork have not been disclosed. Their visit’s pinnacle will be the state banquet on Wednesday night, attended by 160 guests, where formal attire and exquisite jewelry will dominate the scene.
The king and queen will host the banquet at the grand Waterloo Table, which requires five full days of preparation and features more than 4,000 pieces of silver-gilt dining service, including dinner plates and egg cups. Hugo Vickers, a royal historian, noted the silver and ceremony foster goodwill, allowing crucial discussions to take place during such events.
Vickers observed that Starmer's approach in inviting Trump to the royal celebration cleverly leverages the diplomatic power of the monarchy to strengthen ties, providing an ideal context for discussing pressing issues like the situation in Ukraine. Those strategic conversations are scheduled for Thursday at Chequers, the country estate of British prime ministers.
