Windsor prepares for Donald Trump's state visit

Millions of pounds is expected to be spent on security

As Donald Trump travels to Windsor for his unprecedented second state visit, the royal town is bracing for a spectacle of pageantry, protest and police cordons.

The red carpet is being rolled out for the US president and First Lady Melania Trump, who can expect military parades, a display from the Red Arrows and a state banquet in St George's Hall.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are hosting the pair for two days of events. However, not everybody will be greeting them with such a warm welcome.

Security barriers have appeared along the Long Walk, while local businesses weigh up the benefits of increased footfall against the disruption of road closures and heightened surveillance.

The security operation at Windsor Castle has been described as a ring of steel

The BBC spoke to residents and visitors about the president's visit.

Lukas Whitehouse said he was concerned with the cost and did not believe Trump should have been invited.

But he added: "Even though many people don't like him, he's a guest in our country and you should respect your guests."

A small school in Windsor took its students out for their regular afternoon walk and Lynne Smith, one of the members of staff, said it was important to encourage the students to be "curious" about events like this.

"I can see why we're doing it, I can see why he would be a good ally to have but I feel a little bit uneasy about him coming because I'm not over keen on his views," she said.

New Yorkers Annette and Gerard Wagenhofer are excited by the visit

The president is not the only American visitor to Windsor, with Annette Wagenhofer and her husband Gerard in town from New York.

She said: "I think it's great we are united."

She said, however, that she was "sad" to see how "divided" her home country had become - but believed that President Trump was doing a "good job".

Mr Wagenhofer added: "There's nothing bad about meeting and consulting peacefully in light of what's going on around the world today.

"It's always a great thing to keep the conversation going whether you support the guy or not."

The Trumps landed at London Stansted Airport on Tuesday night

Others though may take a lot more persuading.

On Tuesday evening dozens of protesters gathered in the town chanting: "Say it loud, say it clear, Donald Trump's not welcome here."

More protests are also expected later.

Whether hailed as a diplomatic milestone or condemned as political theatre, the visit is certain to leave its mark - not just on the cobbled streets of Windsor, but in the conversations it sparks across the country.

Police have arrested four people on suspicion of projecting images of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein alongside Donald Trump on the walls of Windsor Castle.

The footage appeared on Tuesday night as Trump touched down in London.

Two drone pilots have also been arrested at Windsor Great Park for breaching an airspace restriction order in place for the state visit of President Trump.