Summary

  1. Tourists and Trump fans arrive outside Windsor Castlepublished at 11:31 BST 17 September

    Alex Smith
    Reporting from Windsor

    Groups of people stand outside Windsor Castle

    The crowd of people that have made the trip to Windsor especially for the Trump visit is starting to grow.

    I’ve spotted a man wearing a bright red ‘Make America Great Again’ hat, and a woman donning a flag reading: "Trump: Make America Great Again".

    As we reported earlier, police are out in force here, with regular patrols of officers wearing hi-vis jackets.

    There are also a number of ambassadors for the royal borough, telling those gathered on the road opposite the castle that they won’t be able to see any of Trump’s state visit here today because it’s all taking place within the castle walls.

    One tells me that there was a large demonstration here yesterday, with people waving placards in protest at the visit.

  2. The Epstein scandal looming over both Trump and Starmerpublished at 11:25 BST 17 September

    U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Britain's ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson after announcing a trade deal with the U.K., in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 8, 2025.Image source, Reuters

    Donald Trump and Keir Starmer find themselves in the orbit of a seemingly endless controversy, with one man at the centre: Jeffrey Epstein.

    This state visit comes days after Starmer was forced to sack Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US, when emails emerged showing the former cabinet minister was much closer to the convicted paedophile than previously known.

    The prime minister's critics say Mandelson's appointment casts doubt over his political judgement, and questions have been raised about what Starmer knew, and when.

    Mandelson's links to Epstein were thrown back into the spotlight when US lawmakers published a trove of documents, which included an alleged "birthday book" given to Epstein in 2003 to celebrate his 50th birthday.

    It includes a cryptic message accompanied by an explicit doodle, which carries a signature resembling Trump's. He emphatically denies authoring it but its publication has fuelled scrutiny over their well-documented relationship.

    The two leaders meet this week having both been damaged - albeit in very different ways - by the same controversy.

  3. The Epstein scandal has followed Trump to Windsorpublished at 11:03 BST 17 September

    Images of Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein projected onto the side of Windsor CastleImage source, Reuters

    Just yesterday, four men were arrested after images of Donald Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein were projected onto Windsor Castle.

    Today, as Trump prepares to meet King Charles, another image displaying Trump and Epstein has been displayed on the side of a van being driven around Windsor.

    The president was friends with Epstein in the 1990s and early 2000s. Trump has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the late financier.

    Epstein and Trump photograph displayed on truck in Windsor.Image source, Reuters
  4. More journalists than onlookers in Windsor so farpublished at 10:45 BST 17 September

    Sean Coughlan
    Royal correspondent, reporting from Windsor Castle

    TV crews set up outside Windsor CastleImage source, EPA

    The atmosphere in a rather drizzly Windsor is not as lively as you would expect on the morning of a big state visit.

    There are flags flying and the castle is pretty as a postcard, with the royal standard flying, showing that the King is here.

    But the biggest crowds so far are the journalists and the rows of tents for TV crews from all over the world.

    It’s like a pop-up music festival for political junkies, complete with wristbands for access. It’s a mobile media village that’s pitched up, with rows of pundits chatting and then chatting some more into cameras.

    The next biggest contingent are the police and security staff.

    What’s missing are the crowds, with no one much in evidence yet, either for or against Trump’s visit. Perhaps that because, with the visit taking place inside the walls, there isn’t anything much to see for the public.

  5. Trump due to leave America's unofficial London party HQpublished at 10:41 BST 17 September

    Matthew Williams and Victoria Beckham at a drinks reception in Winfred HouseImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Interior designer Matthew Williamson and Victoria Beckham at Vogue's Winfield House party at London Fashion Week in 2015

    As we just reported, we're waiting for Trump to leave London, where he spent the night at a residence with a somewhat colourful history.

    The president stayed at Winfield House, a sprawling home by London's Regent Park which serves as the official residence of the American ambassador to the UK.

    It has acted as an important diplomatic hub for the US overseas for decades, though has a reputation for something else altogether: being the scene of some almighty parties.

    Some of the biggest name in politics, entertainment and business have been spotted at the lavish jamborees held there over the years.

    Aerial photo of Winfield House with an inset map locating the region of Regent’s Park, where the house is, north of central London. The image shows the main house and gardens on a sunny day, surrounded by trees.
  6. No sign of Trump so far this morningpublished at 10:34 BST 17 September

    Ellie Price
    Reporting from central London

    A cyclist goes past a police cordon
    Image caption,

    Security is tight around where Trump is staying in central London

    President Trump stayed the night at Winfield House, the US ambassador’s residence in central London.

    There's been no sign of him this morning so far. He was posting on his social media platform in the early hours of this morning so maybe he had a bit of jet lag.

    We’re expecting Trump to leave central London later this morning and head west to Windsor to meet the King.

    Security is as tight here as it is in Windsor, so we can’t get too close. But we’re looking out for any motorcades and his car “the Beast” or his helicopter- Marine One.

  7. A carriage procession, a flypast, a state banquet - what to look out for todaypublished at 10:23 BST 17 September

    A man lays out cutlery on a banquet tableImage source, PA Media
    • A stay in the capital: After spending the night at the US ambassador's residence in London, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will travel to Windsor, where they will be greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales
    • A meeting with the King: They will then meet the King and Queen, ahead of a carriage procession through the Windsor Estate towards the castle
    • A carriage procession: The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will escort the procession. The route will be lined by members of the British armed forces, and both the US and British anthems will be played
    • A guard of honour: Once at the castle, a guard of honour will greet the party, who the King will invite Trump to join him in inspecting
    • A military flypast: There will also be a flypast by UK and US F-35 military jets and the Red Arrows
    • A visit to the Queen's tomb: Following a state lunch, the president will pay his respects to the late Queen in private before a short tour of St George's Chapel
    • A state banquet: That evening, a traditional state banquet will be held at the castle, during which both the King and president will deliver speeches
  8. Melania sports iconic British coat as she arrives in UKpublished at 10:02 BST 17 September

    Noor Nanji
    Royal reporter, at Windsor Castle

    US first lady Melania Trump wearing a floor length Burberry trench coat steps out of Air Force One with husband US President Donald TrumpImage source, Getty Images

    First Lady Melania Trump drew attention as she touched down into London last night, wearing a trench coat from Burberry, a luxury British brand.

    The honey-coloured, floor length coat had its collar turned up, and flashes of its signature lining were visible underneath.

    The 55-year-old completed the look with black sunglasses and boots.

    State visits are as much about what everyone is wearing, as they are about what they’re saying and doing.

    It’s often an exercise in fashion diplomacy – and we can expect to see plenty of that on display over the next few days.

  9. King to take on role of chief diplomatpublished at 09:47 BST 17 September

    Daniela Relph
    Senior royal correspondent, at Windsor Castle

    King CharlesImage source, Reuters

    From a royal perspective, there is a genuine desire for the president to feel that this state visit has been special.

    And it is the royal elements that will be key to him feeling that.

    The King will be acting as chief diplomat today, putting the personal friendship between himself and the president front and centre.

  10. Windsor prepares for the Trumpspublished at 09:43 BST 17 September

    It's a wet and windy morning in Windsor.

    There appears to be relative calm on the streets, at least for now. That will all change later this morning, when Donald Trump and his wife Melania arrive.

    Police are patrolling, camera crews are setting up, and American and British flags have been strung up. Here's a look at the scene:

    A street in Windsor with flags
    Police patrol fence near WindsorImage source, Reuters
    A Union Jack and U.S. flags hang, as media crews setup outside the Windsor CastleImage source, Reuters
  11. Noticeable police presence in Windsorpublished at 09:10 BST 17 September

    Peter Henley
    Political editor, south of England

    Two police officers stand next to a man holding a coffee

    Uniformed police are very visible in Windsor this morning.

    Thames Valley Police are handing out leaflets to locals and tourists who might find roads blocked or be subject to a check.

    The leaflets provide details of counter-terrorism Project Servator, stating that the purpose of today's police operation is "designed to disrupt a range of criminal activity".

    They also offer re-assurance, saying: “You can help by reporting anything that doesn’t feel right.”

  12. Anti-Trump groups to stage protest during US president's visitpublished at 08:58 BST 17 September

    A cardboard cutout of Donald Trump's head is held up during a protest in LondonImage source, Reuters

    While pageantry, pomp and fanfare will be at the centre of Trump's state visit to the UK, not everyone will be welcoming the US leader with open arms.

    The Stop Trump Coalition - which comprises over 50 unions and charities - says they will stage a national demonstration against Trump's state visit today.

    The group says they will gather in Portland Place at 14:00 BST, then march to Parliament Square and hold a rally at 17:00 BST.

    Although Trump will not visit Parliament, which is currently in recess, groups say they will demonstrate to "defeat the politics of Trumpism" and to promote "an alternative, democratic vision of the world based on peace, social justice and international cooperation".

    The Stop Trump Coalition says they want to "fight against the British government and political elite when it tries to appease" Trump's policies.

    "A government that will bow down to Trump and to racism is one that will open the door to fascism," a spokesperson for the Stop Trump coalition said in a video posted on X.

    Leader of the Green Party Zack Polanski, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Ben Jamal, the director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, will be speaking at the protest.

    This protest also comes after the largest far-right march took place on Saturday.

  13. Full turn-out of royals to help with hospitalitypublished at 08:40 BST 17 September

    Sean Coughlan
    Royal correspondent

    King Charles (L) wearing a navy suit and Queen Camilla (R) wearing a lighter shade of blue and a green fascinatorImage source, Getty Images

    King Charles will make the showcase speech welcoming the president at the glittering state banquet on Wednesday evening, but there will be a line-up of other senior royals to help with the hospitality.

    Queen Camilla is still expected to take part, although she had to pull out of the Duchess of Kent’s funeral on Tuesday with acute sinusitis.

    She is due to show Melania Trump an elaborate dolls’ house, built over a century ago by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. It's the only thing about the visit that will be on a small scale.

    The president has spoken fondly about the "great, great talk" he had with the Prince of Wales when they met in France last year. And Prince William, along with his wife Catherine, will be an important part of the official welcome.

    Catherine will be going to a Scouts’ nature project with Melania on Thursday. Is that going to be the picture that ends up on the front pages?

  14. Trump holds deep, unwavering respect for the Royal Familypublished at 08:28 BST 17 September

    Nomia Iqbal
    Travelling with the president

    Jet lag aside, President Trump is in a good mood.

    And no wonder - he is the first US president to be granted a second state visit to the UK. I travelled with Trump on Air Force One as part of the press pool, arriving very late last night. Our job is to follow the president as he undergoes his state visit. Everyone was looking forward to this, he told us.

    For a man who doesn’t care too much for conventions, the Royal Family is unique. Trump holds genuine deep and unwavering respect for them.

    Undoubtedly Prime Minister Keir Starmer has used this royal charm offensive as a way of easing ties with a man who is his total political opposite, even though they both seem to really get on well with each other.

    Official business isn’t likely to be on the agenda today, though we’ll certainly be asking Trump about some diplomatic flashpoints ahead of his meeting with the PM at Chequers tomorrow.

    For today, the president will be focusing on the finest pomp and pageantry Britain has to offer.

  15. Who is the US ambassador to the UK?published at 08:19 BST 17 September

    Ambassador for the United States of America, Warren Stephens, presents his credentials to Britain's King Charles during a private audience at Buckingham Palace, London.Image source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    US ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens presented his credentials to the King in May

    Shortly after arriving at Winfield House in central London, Trump thanked the US ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens for "doing a great job".

    Trump nominated Stephens, previously CEO of private investment bank Stephens Inc., to the highly-coveted post while still president-elect in 2024.

    The former investment banker donated millions to Trump's re-election campaign last year.

    Federal campaign finance data also show he also donated to Republican groups and US Senate candidates.

  16. Prince Andrew airbrushed out of visitpublished at 08:12 BST 17 September

    Sean Coughlan
    Royal correspondent

    Prince Andrew departs Westminster Cathedral in London after the funeral of the Duchess of KentImage source, EPA

    For President Trump’s previous state visit in 2019, Prince Andrew was one of the most visible royals, deployed to spend two of the three days of the visit escorting the president.

    Prince Andrew, an old acquaintance of Trump, was seen then as an important person for looking after the US visitor.

    This time round, with Prince Andrew now withdrawn from royal duties in the wake of his associations with Jeffrey Epstein, there will be no sight of him.

    He won’t be a guest at the state banquet. He was at the funeral of the Duchess of Kent on Tuesday as it was a family event, but he won’t be invited to official occasions.

    Even though Prince Andrew lives in Windsor, the nearest he’ll get to the state visit was when protesters projected a picture showing him with Epstein on to the Windsor Castle walls.

  17. Where is Windsor Castle?published at 08:08 BST 17 September

    A blue car emerges from the gate of Windsor CastleImage source, Getty Images

    Today's royal pageantry will unfold at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, about 25 miles (40km) from Central London.

    King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be hosting Trump and his wife at Windsor rather than Buckingham Palace, which is undergoing renovations.

  18. Trump visit will be out of sight of publicpublished at 08:03 BST 17 September

    Sean Coughlan
    Royal correspondent

    A long security fence stands on a grass lawn with trees and Windsor Castle in the backgroundImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Security fences have been set up in front of Windsor Castle

    There have been protesters in Windsor with anti-Trump placards while US flags are hung along the high street in welcome.

    But the visiting president won’t see either opponents or supporters, because the visit is going to take place entirely away from the public.

    State visits usually put on a show for the crowds, such as the glittering carriage procession for France’s President Emmanuel Macron that rattled through Windsor a few months ago, almost in touching distance of people lining the narrow streets.

    But for President Trump’s visit, the events will be kept behind the walls of the Windsor estate or at the PM’s country retreat, Chequers. It will all be private and out of sight of the public and any protests.

    There’s a big security operation in place, as with all US presidential visits - but this trip has already sealed itself off from the outside world.

  19. Watch: BBC editors on what Trump's visit means for No 10 and the White Housepublished at 07:55 BST 17 September

    The BBC's Political Editor Chris Mason and North America Editor Sarah Smith discuss what's at stake for the UK and the US during Trump's unprecedented second state visit to the UK.

    Have a watch:

    Media caption,

    'Completely different, yet genuinely get on' - BBC correspondents on Starmer and Trump

  20. Trump has 'perhaps done the most' to encourage far-right, says London mayorpublished at 07:44 BST 17 September

    Sir Sadiq Khan, wearing a white shirt and a blue suit, speaks to a London police officer.Image source, PA Media

    US President Donald Trump and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have previously traded barbed comments.

    The two are not scheduled to meet during Trump's state visit.

    On the evening of Trump's arrival, Khan published an op-ed in the Guardian, in which he says Trump has "perhaps done the most to fan the flames of divisive, far-right politics around the world in recent years".

    He adds that Trump's recent decision to deploy troops to US cities was "straight out of the autocrat's playbook".

    Khan says that while he understands the "pragmatic" need to maintain ties with the US, the so-called "special relationship" means "at times, being a critical friend and speaking truth to power - and being clear that we reject the politics of fear and division".

    In July, Trump called the mayor "a nasty person" who has "done a terrible job". And when Trump was last in office, he called Khan a "stone cold loser who should focus on crime in London"., external