London [UK], September 18: US President Donald Trump was treated to an unprecedented display of military pomp and pageantry as his historic second state visit to the UK began with a spectacular ceremonial welcome on Wednesday.
The president and First Lady Melania Trump also received a personal, family-centred greeting from King Charles III and his immediate family - with Trump in turn complimenting the Princess of Wales. Around 1,500 troops in total were involved in the ceremonial events throughout the day - almost double those on duty for the recent state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron.
The day featured a carriage procession through the grounds of Windsor Castle accompanied by a sovereign's escort of 80 mounted soldiers and a 120-strong guard of honour, the largest staged for a UK state visit in living memory.
Trump appeared at ease and respectful of his hosts and is unlikely to be the first American impressed by the history, splendour and atmosphere of Windsor Castle, continuously occupied for almost 1,000 years. Prince William and Kate were deployed at the start of the royal charm offensive to greet the Trumps who arrived in the Marine One helicopter at Victoria House, a little-known property nestled on the private Windsor estate.
Trump first shook hands with the prince and when the princess did the same she gave him a broad smile as the US leader appeared to tell her: "You're so beautiful, so beautiful."
Waiting nearby the helicopter landing site were the king and queen and after they exchanged greetings with their guests, Charles and Trump appeared to be engaged in deep discussion which carried on as they settled into their places in the Scottish State Coach and set off in the carriage procession. In the castle's quadrangle, which has staged welcomes for leaders from across the globe, the president inspected a Guard of Honour and following protocol strode in front of the king.
After lunch in the State Dining Room, the King led Trump through a set of gilded double doors into the Green Drawing Room to see the display of items from the Royal Collection relating to the US.
Source: Qatar Tribune
