The King and Queen welcomed Donald Trump and Melania to the UK as the US president’s second state visit began. The couple were greeted outside Victoria House in Frogmore’s Royal Kitchen Gardens by the Prince and Princess of Wales, who escorted them to the royal party in front of the building. The Trumps arrived by Marine One and Trump reached Victoria House at about 12:14, slightly after the planned 11:55 start.

All the ceremonial elements accompanied the welcome. The Windsor carriage route was lined by 22 half-companies of personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force, with a Sovereign’s Escort from the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals Mounted Regiment. About 120 horses and 1,300 service personnel were involved across the armed forces. Gun salutes were fired from six First World War guns on the East Lawn and from the Tower of London. There were no public-facing engagements programmed that day, and security arrangements were described as paramount given potential threats. A march through central London and a rally in Parliament Square were planned for later.

Other elements of the day include a visit to the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II in St George’s Chapel, lunch with the royal family, a Beating Retreat ceremony with a flypast of UK and US F-35 fighters and the Red Arrows, and a state banquet. The Trumps will stay overnight at Windsor Castle. The president had previously hinted at possible tariff relief for UK steel ahead of talks with Sir Keir Starmer at Chequers, the prime minister’s country residence.