President Donald Trump is currently in the UK on an unprecedented second state visit. Yesterday, September 17, the commander-in-chief was warmly received by members of the Royal Family. While today, Thursday, will be a "work day" involving meetings with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the pageantry and expressions of unity between the two great nations will likely be what sticks in the mind far beyond discussions of trade and security.
The state visit began Wednesday morning when Trump arrived at Windsor Castle, greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate.
(Photo by Zak Hussein - Pool/ Mark Cuthbert/ UK Press via Getty Images)
Buckingham Palace, where such events usually take place, is currently undergoing renovations. But Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It was created by William the Conqueror in the late 11th century and is considered a jewel of heritage. The president and first lady were treated to carriage rides through the grounds, with sprawling parks and lawns, to the main building.
(Photo by Zak Hussein - Pool via Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Upon arrival at the castle, a welcome ceremony involving troops, horses, and a flyover by the Red Arrows marked the festivities.
(Photo by Zak Hussein - Pool via Samir Hussein/WireImage)
The Red Arrows are the public face of the Royal Air Force, renowned for being the world's premier aerobatic team. Operational since 1965, the Hawk fast-jets have entertained kings, queens, statesmen, and the public in more than 50 countries.
(Photo by Ilyas Tayfun Salci/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The King's Guard, part of the British Army Household Division, trooped past Mr. and Mrs. Trump and King Charles and Queen Camilla.
(Photo by Zak Hussein - Pool via Samir Hussein/WireImage)
After the official greetings were concluded, everyone prepared for the State Banquet, which the White House released a video of, showing the glitz and glitter, pomp and circumstance that Britain does so well.
King Charles III opened the proceedings by welcoming the president in a heartfelt and humorous address. He said:
"Our people have fought and died together for the values we hold dear. We have innovated, traded and created together, fuelling our economies and cultures through myriad forms of exchange. We have celebrated together, mourned together and stood together in the best and worst of times.
"Mr President, as we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year, it is remarkable to think just how far we have come. I cannot help but wonder what our forebears from 1776 would make of this friendship today."
President Trump delivered a speech that both acknowledged the long relationship with Britain and spoke of hope for the future. He said:
"The lion-hearted people of this kingdom defeated Napoleon, unleashed the Industrial Revolution, destroyed slavery, and defended civilisation in the darkest days of fascism and communism; the British gave the world the Magna Carta, the modern parliament, and Francis Bacon’s scientific method. They gave us the works of Locke and Hobbes, Smith and Burke, Newton and Blackstone.
"The legal, intellectual, cultural and political traditions of this kingdom have been among the highest achievements of mankind; there has really never been anything like it. The British Empire laid the foundations of law, liberty, free speech and individual rights virtually everywhere the Union Jack has ever flown, including a place called America. You know that place very well, don’t you?"
While politics tears at the heart of relationships between co-workers, families, and even nations, what we saw yesterday was a display of friendship between two countries that has endured through centuries. Long may it continue.
(Photo by Zak Hussein - Pool via Samir Hussein/WireImage)
.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
