Summary

  1. Rupert Murdoch in attendancepublished at 20:52 BST 17 September

    Rupert Murdoch stands at the centre of a group of people and appears to be mid-speakingImage source, Reuters
  2. Tech giants among those mingling in banquet hallpublished at 20:49 BST 17 September

    Big tech names including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are among the guests at tonight's dinner.

    There's more on who the other guests are in our previous post.

    Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stands with other attendees. The edge of the table can be seenImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, left, is among attendees at tonight's dinner

    OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stands at the edge of the tableImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has donned a white tuxedo for the occasion

  3. Tonight's state banquet - a closer lookpublished at 20:42 BST 17 September

    Preparations made at the table ahead of the state banquetImage source, Reuters

    The guests are arriving, the table is set.

    160 guests will be attending the event, with the meal set to take place around a 47.3m (155 feet) long banquet table - that's equivalent to 2.7 Marine Ones.

    The table has 139 candles and 1452 pieces of cutlery placed on it, and just over 100 staff will be working.

    The table has taken a week to put together - a task that was completed on Sunday, with the cutlery then laid on Monday.

    The royal household put the seating plan together based on guests provided by the UK government and the White House.

    A shot of the tableImage source, Reuters
  4. Who else is on the guest list?published at 20:36 BST 17 September

    We can now bring you some more details about the guests who will be in attendance at tonight's state banquet.

    Among the key players at tonight's banquet, one side of the table will sit Marco Rubio, King Charles, President Trump, Princess Catherine.

    Marco Rubio looks out the side of the carriage with Steve Witkoff sitting next to himImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    Marco Rubio shared a carriage with US special envoy Steve Witkoff during today's procession

    Opposite them will be Scott Bessent, Queen Camilla, Melania Trump and Prince William.

    A headshot of Scott Bessent, the background is blurredImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    US treasury secretary Scott Bessent attended a financial services roundtable event at Downing Street yesterday as part of the state visit

    British PM Starmer has been placed next to Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman and Jeanette Rubio, the wife of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

    Apple CEO Tim Cook, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Open AI's Sam Altman are also joining the banquet.

    Meanwhile, media mogul Rupert Murdoch and US Masters-winning golfer Nick Faldo will also take their seat at the table.

    Murdoch sits on a chair with his hands clasped together. A Marine Corps flag is behind himImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Rupert Murdoch pictured at the White House in February this year

  5. Smiles and conversation on the way to the banquet hallpublished at 20:35 BST 17 September

    As they made their way into St George's Hall ahead of the state banquet, the King, Queen, US president and first lady were all smiles.

    The King and Trump seem to be deep in conversation.

    Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Donald and Melania Trump walk into banquet.Image source, PA Media
  6. Prince and Princess of Wales join guestspublished at 20:32 BST 17 September
    Breaking

    The Prince and Princess of Wales have now also been seen at Windsor Castle ahead of the banquet.

    The royal couple form part of a procession of people making their way in.

    Prince and Princess of Wales walk towards the camera. Others can be seen filing behind themImage source, Reuters
  7. King Charles III and Queen Camilla's entrance to St George's Hallpublished at 20:26 BST 17 September

    King Charles III on right in suit, Camilla on the left in a long aubergine coloured dress.Image source, Reuters
  8. King, Queen, president and first lady arrive at banquetpublished at 20:19 BST 17 September
    Breaking

    Queen Camilla, King Charles, President Trump and the First Lady stand side by side and smile for the photoImage source, Reuters
    U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump pose for a photo at the State Banquet.Image source, Reuters
  9. Nessun Dorma and Ave Maria among musical accompaniments to banquetpublished at 20:11 BST 17 September

    A rich programme of music awaits the guests at tonight's state banquet, including a repertoire for pipes.

    Among the pieces they will hear will be the aria Nessun Dorma from Giacomo Puccini's opera Turandot, arranged by composer Carlo Martelli.

    They will also listen to Scottish Dances by Peter Martin, Schubert's Ave Maria arranged by Matt Naughtin, and Henry Purcell's Trumpet Tune and Air.

    A line of men in kilts playing pipes.Image source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    A repertoire for pipes will also entertain guests

  10. Flowers take centre stagepublished at 20:05 BST 17 September

    Flowers on the table.Image source, Reuter

    The decorations for the state banquet will be much discussed this evening - and flowers will take centre stage.

    Handpicked seasonal flowers and herbs from the gardens at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park will adorn the banquet table.

    They will be arranged in silver-gilt centrepieces taken from the Grand Service.

    Once the banquet is over, any flowers that cannot be reused will be donated to Floral Angels, a charity based at the New Covent Garden Flower Market in London whose patron is Queen Camilla.

    These flowers will then be delivered to hospices, elderly care homes, shelters, and others within the local community.

  11. Chicken, cocktails and an ice cream bombe: What’s on the menu?published at 20:01 BST 17 September

    If you're wondering what sort of food gets served to guests at a state banquet - we've got those details for you.

    Those attending will enjoy three dishes tonight from a set menu alongside a variety of drinks.

    Starter: Hampshire watercress panna cotta with parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad

    Main: Organic Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgettes with a thyme and savoury infused jus

    Dessert: Vanilla ice cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet interior with lightly poached Victoria plums

    A close-up shot of the King's place laid at the banquet table. A name place reads 'The King'. The menu details the following dishes (written in French) - Starter: Hampshire watercress panna cotta with parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad  Main: Organic Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgettes with a thyme and savoury infused jus  Dessert: Vanilla ice cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet interior with lightly poached Victoria plumsImage source, PA Media

    After the dinner, guests will be served specially selected drinks including a Vintage Port from 1945 - said to be a nod to President Trump who served as the 45th president during his first term.

    There will also as be a Hennessy 1912 Cognac Grande Champagne served, which dates to the birth year of Trump’s mother.

    A new cocktail has been created for the occasion a "Transatlantic Whisky Sour" – a twist on the conventional Whisky Sour - blending the flavours of Johnnie Walker Black and marmalade.

    The drink will be topped with a pecan foam and a toasted marshmallow on a star-shaped biscuit "evoking the warmth of a fireside S’more".

  12. A feast for kings (and presidents) - a glimpse inside the dining roompublished at 20:01 BST 17 September
    Breaking

    We're now getting an insight into the upcoming state banquet, as details are emerging of the decorations, table layout, menu, guest list and a repertoire of music.

    Over our next few posts, we'll be able to bring you a closer look at the planned feast.

    A landscape image of places set for the banquet. The table is decorated with flowers and candlesImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    Tonight's table in St George's Hall has been decorated with flowers, candles and an impressive napkin arrangement

    An overhead shot of President Trump and the King's places on the table. A number of glasses are laid at each place along with various cutleryImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    President Trump will sit next to the King for the dinner. Their places have been laid out here complete with glasses and cutlery

    An overhead shot of a line of pipers as they practice at the edge of the tableImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    Pipers rehearsed next to the banquet table earlier today

    A landscape shot of the banquet table in St George's Hall. A number of places have been laid and the centre of the table is filled with flowers. Two men walk on either side of the table. A line of pipers can be seen on the right hand side of the tableImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    The table is long, and grand, with guests awaiting their meal - we'll have more details on what they'll be tucking into shortly

  13. Americast: What does Trump want from his UK state visit?published at 19:42 BST 17 September

    Large banner that has American flag in cartoon-style block, text in one of the white stripes says Americast, with BBC logo above.

    Listen to BBC journalists Sarah Smith, Justin Webb and Marianna Spring unpack what would constitute a successful trip for both the UK and the US.

    In the latest episode of Americast, the group also discuss the potential flash points of the visit for both UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, particularly over the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the sacking of the UK’s ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson.

    Listen to the episode on BBC Sounds.

  14. King's speech a carefully balanced piece of work, former speechwriter tells BBCpublished at 19:32 BST 17 September

    Ian Skelly, a BBC broadcaster and former speechwriter for King Charles predicts that tonight's state banquet speech may have taken up to six months to put together.

    Skelly adds that the speech will most likely focus on the "special relationship" between the UK and US - with the King bringing his own personal take on that relationship.

    "I remember him telling me he vaguely remembers as a child meeting Eisenhower. That means he has known 13 presidents, which is quite a heritage," he says.

    Skelly adds that the speech will be a "very carefully balanced piece of work", but that King Charles may bring up issues he is passionate about with Trump behind the scenes.

  15. Analysis

    After a day of pictures, tonight we get wordspublished at 19:23 BST 17 September

    Chris Mason
    Political editor

    Both the president and the King will give speeches at the beginning of the state banquet.

    They will be political words, but not the sort we are used to, at least from the UK side. They will be 'small p' political words from the King.

    So who writes his speech?

    It is “written on the advice of government” is how it is described.

    Someone else close to the process told me “who holds the pen is nuanced” – which is curious, but revealing phrase.

    I think it roughly translates as all sorts of drafts go back and forth between folk in government and folk at the Palace.

    What can we expect?

    A seven to eight minute speech from the King that focuses on the big picture – the UK and US’s shared past and hoped for shared future.

    On some of the big international issues of our time, there are differences of emphasis or even outright disagreement.

    These are likely to be brushed over in the broadest sense.

    And, what about tomorrow?

    The prime minister, meanwhile, will aim to make the most of the face time with the president.

    And, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is expected to meet Donald Trump for the first time.

    Tomorrow the focus will switch to Chequers, the prime minister’s country retreat in Buckinghamshire for the 'big P' political day.

    The prime minister will seek to emphasise the long term value of all of the economic deals that have been announced during this state visit – as he seeks to put the short term hefty bumps he suffered in the last fortnight behind him.

  16. King and Queen inspect table ahead of state banquetpublished at 18:54 BST 17 September

    After a busy day of ceremony in Windsor attention is turning to this evening's state banquet.

    We've seen a glimpse of the King and Queen inside St George's Hall, where they have been inspecting the fine details.

    Media caption,

    King and Queen inspect state banquet

  17. 'Enthralled by the pomp and circumstance,' Trump's 70-year affection for the Royal Familypublished at 18:45 BST 17 September

    Nada Tawfik
    North America correspondent

    US President Donald Trump talking to King Charles. First Lady Melania Trump stands close by wearing a black and white fur coat.Image source, AFP via Getty Images

    Since he was a young boy, Trump, has held a deep admiration of the Royal Family - largely due to his Scottish mother who he watched Queen Elizabeth's coronation with in 1953.

    Trump recounted the impact his mother's love of the British royals had on him, in his book, The Art of the Deal.

    He got "his sense of showmanship" from her, he wrote, describing her as "enthralled by the pomp and circumstance, the whole idea of royalty and glamour".

    Trump's former national security aide, Fiona Hill, observed in her book that he often spoke of his mother's admiration of the royal family.

    Meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II in his first term in 2019, she writes, was an obsession of his because it was the "ultimate sign that he, Trump, had made it in life".

    Shortly after the historic encounter, he told Piers Morgan in a newspaper interview: "I was walking up and I was saying [to First Lady Melania Trump] 'Can you imagine my mother seeing this scene?' Windsor. Windsor Castle."

    In Trump's eyes, the British throne has a global status that he craves, say some observers.

    Now Trump, who once watched his mother revering the royals - is the one sharing the spotlight with them.

  18. 'Big up Trump': State visit attracts some younger crowds in Windsorpublished at 18:34 BST 17 September

    Noor Nanji
    Royal reporter at Windsor Castle

    Tyler, 25, and Kieran, 27, were visiting family in London, so they decided to swing by Windsor to try and get a glance at President Trump.

    “I can’t believe how many British people are here supporting Trump, it’s quite astonishing,” Kieran said.

    Politics students Laila and Rubyanne, both 16, say they came down “to search for answers”.

    Meanwhile Will, who’s 22, and Nicola, 23, said they worked in the area and stopped by Windsor Castle on their way to get lunch.

    “Planning to see Big Donald,” Will said. “Big up Trump.”

    “It’s nice to see all the different people and the different opinions,” said Nicola. “Normally Windsor’s quite quiet, so it’s just different.”

    Tyler, left, and Kieran, right, in front of Windsor Castle. Tyler has long brown hair and she is wearing a black jumper. Kieran is taller and he is wearing a grey hoodie.
    Image caption,

    Tyler, left, and Kieran, right, say it's "astonishing" to see so many people supporting Trump in Windsor

  19. A historic state visit - the day so farpublished at 18:22 BST 17 September

    It's been an eventful day in Windsor.

    President Donald Trump's historic second state visit may have been set under grey skies, but there's been plenty of ceremony throughout the day.

    We've taken a look back at some of the big moments:

    Princess Kate, Prince William, President Trump and First lady Melania trump walk in line towards Windsor Castle.Image source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    At Windsor Castle this morning, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump disembarked Marine One and were greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales

    King Charles and President Trump inside the royal carriage.Image source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Trump and the King were deep in conversation as the carriages made their way through the procession

    The King and Queen are joined by the President and First Lady as they stand in front of the special exhibiiton.Image source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    Inside Windsor Castle, the state visit continued with a tour inside the Green Drawing Room where a special exhibition was laid out to celebrate the UK's relationship with the US.

    President Trump and First Lady inside St George's Chapel.Image source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Next on the itinerary for the president, and first lady, was a trip to St George's Chapel where they laid a wreath at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II

    US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, King Charles III and Queen Camilla sit during a Beating Retreat military ceremony at Windsor Castle.Image source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    The King, Queen, Trump and Melania seated together for the Beating the Retreat military ceremony at Windsor Castle

    The king, queen president and first lady sit and watch the fly past ahead as red white and blue fills the sky.Image source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Right on cue was the flypast attracting crowds as the planes roared in the sky filling it red, white and blue

  20. Majority of crowd disperses in Windsorpublished at 18:06 BST 17 September

    Alex Smith
    Reporting from Windsor

    Crowd stands in foreground, looking towards Windsor Castle in the background. In the middle is a sculpture of Donald Trump raised aloft - he's made to look like a baby in a white babygrow.

    After the Red Arrows flypast, most of the crowd here at Windsor Castle dispersed.

    A few dozen people still remain outside - a significant number have been stationed here for the majority of the day.

    Among them is a mixture of Trump supporters wearing red 'Make America Great Again' hats, demonstrators carrying placards, and passers-by hoping to catch a glimpse of the US president.

    There's also a sea of journalists and cameras lined up along the side of the road.

    But they won't see much. Trump isn't scheduled to come out here, and there aren't any more planned events that will be visible from outside the castle walls.

    Next up on the schedule is a state banquet later this evening, which is taking place inside the castle.