US President Donald Trump (C) and US First Lady Melania Trump disembark from Air Force One after landing at Stansted Airport, eastern England, on September 16, 2025, on the first day of a two-day visit to the UK. US President Donald Trump arrived in the UK late Tuesday for a State Visit with his wife, Melania, a rare privilege made at the invitation of King Charles III. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)
US President Donald Trump arrived in Britain on Tuesday for a groundbreaking second state visit, greeted with a lavish royal welcome as the UK seeks to strengthen ties with the unpredictable leader.
The 79-year-old Republican, accompanied by his wife Melania, was honored with a guard of honour upon landing at Stansted Airport near London.
“It’s going to be a very big thing,” Trump remarked to reporters during the flight.
Trump, captivated by the British monarchy, becomes the first US president to receive two state visit invitations, following his 2019 visit hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.
On Wednesday, King Charles III will welcome Trump at Windsor Castle for an opulent banquet and carriage ride, followed by a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his country residence on Thursday.
“Charles, as you know, who’s now king, is my friend,” Trump told reporters at the White House prior to the trip.
“He’s such an elegant gentleman and he represents the country so well.”
With heightened security measures in place, Trump’s itinerary avoids London, where a significant anti-Trump protest is planned for Wednesday.
However, dozens of demonstrators gathered late Tuesday on Windsor High Street, brandishing anti-Trump signs and chanting slogans near the castle.
