Donald Trump described his state visit to the United Kingdom as “one of the highest honours of my life”, as he paid tribute to the Royal Family at a formal dinner held at Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening. The US president expressed admiration for King Charles, while highlighting the unprecedented distinction of being granted a second state visit – the first American leader to receive such an honour. In a light-hearted remark, he added that he hoped it would also be “the last time” such a privilege was extended.
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Mr Trump also praised the Prince and Princess of Wales, who have taken on a prominent role during the two-day visit. He said that Catherine was “so radiant and so healthy” and added: “His Majesty has also raised a remarkable son in His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. We’ve gotten to know you and I think you’re going to have an unbelievable success in future.” Earlier in the day, King Charles personally welcomed th president, hosting a carriage procession, a guard of honour, a military parade and a Red Arrows flypast.
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While the pageantry was on full display at Windsor, not everyone shared in the celebrations. In central London, around 5,000 demonstrators gathered on Regent Street in protest at Mr Trump’s visit. Addressing the crowd, Green Party leader Zack Polanski criticised the scale of the ceremony, calling the spectacle of a second state visit for Mr Trump “absolutely outrageous”.
