Drones to police from the skies during Trump visit

The visit is expected to include a full ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle

Drones used in a major policing operation during Donald Trump's second state visit to the UK will act as an "eye in the sky" around Windsor Castle, police have said.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are hosting the president and his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, between 17 and 19 September.

A temporary order will restrict Windsor airspace from when the state visit rehearsal takes place on 16 September, until 18 September.

"It's a significant policing operation for us," Insp Matthew Wilkinson, airspace bronze commander for Thames Valley Police, said.

Speaking on Monday during a demonstration of the DJIM 30T model drone at the force's training centre in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, he said: "We have a good history of putting on these events for both the Royal Family and the country."

Thames Valley Police has previously demonstrated its drone capabilities

When asked about the scale of the drone operation compared to other high profile events, he replied: "It's one of the larger ones.

"It's in line with other large-scale events we've put on as a force.

"Obviously every event carries its own challenges and threats, and we'll assess that and resource it accordingly."

Airspace restrictions mean non-police drones and smaller aircraft will not be allowed to fly through the protected area, but Insp Wilkinson said the public would be kept informed.

"We are engaging with the local businesses, local communities, hobbyist drone enthusiasts, gliding schools and things like that, to try and share that message, so it's not a surprise for anybody," he said.

"Obviously it's an offence to fly a drone in a restricted airspace and we will have resources to deal with any of those incursions."

President Trump made his first state visit to the UK in 2019

He added: "We will have plenty of capability in the sky when the time is appropriate."

The drones are already used by police on a day-to-day basis, as part of missing persons inquiries and drug warrants.

Each one can fly up to 120m (400ft) and stay up for 30 minutes at a time, with a replacement drone taking off shortly before the end of that period.

Windsor was chosen for the US president's state visit as the typical venue, Buckingham Palace, continues to undergo renovations.

Trump was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II for his first state visit in 2019 during his first term in office.

Traditionally, second-term presidents are not offered a state visit, but Trump's arrival is expected to be greeted with a full ceremonial welcome and a state banquet in St George's Hall.

All senior members of the Royal Family will be involved, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, who live on the grounds of the castle.