- 1,500 military personnel and 150 horses deliver spectacular ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle
- Visit strengthens vital UK–US defence and economic partnership
- Programme showcases Britain’s world-leading ceremonial excellence
![Mounted guards in ceremonial uniforms ride horses past a formation of soldiers in red coats and bearskin hats.]()
![Two ceremonial guards in ornate black and gold uniforms ride horses past a group of formally dressed spectators.]()
![Mounted guards in ornate red and gold uniforms ride black horses past dignitaries standing on a red-carpeted platform.]()
![Two men walk between rows of British guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats standing to attention.]()
![Two men in dark suits and two women in formal dresses and hats stand on a red carpeted stage with white curtains.]()
![Mounted guards in ceremonial uniforms ride horses past a formation of soldiers in red coats and bearskin hats.]()
Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery ride past the dias.
![Two ceremonial guards in ornate black and gold uniforms ride horses past a group of formally dressed spectators.]()
Kings Troop give an eyes right as they pass the dias.
![Mounted guards in ornate red and gold uniforms ride black horses past dignitaries standing on a red-carpeted platform.]()
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ride past the dias.
![Two men walk between rows of British guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats standing to attention.]()
Commanding Officer London Central Garrison, Lieutenant Colonel Storm Green escorts the President for his inspection of the Guard of Honour.
![Two men in dark suits and two women in formal dresses and hats stand on a red carpeted stage with white curtains.]()
His Majesty The King and the US President share a joke at the end of the ceremony.
![Mounted guards in ceremonial uniforms ride horses past a formation of soldiers in red coats and bearskin hats.]()
![Two ceremonial guards in ornate black and gold uniforms ride horses past a group of formally dressed spectators.]()
![Mounted guards in ornate red and gold uniforms ride black horses past dignitaries standing on a red-carpeted platform.]()
![Two men walk between rows of British guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats standing to attention.]()
![Two men in dark suits and two women in formal dresses and hats stand on a red carpeted stage with white curtains.]()
President Donald J Trump has begun his second State Visit to the United Kingdom, welcomed by His Majesty The King at Windsor Castle today (17 September). The visit marks a significant moment in UK–US relations, reinforcing the enduring defence and economic partnership between the two nations.
A breathtaking ceremonial welcome was delivered by 1,500 Tri-Service personnel and more than 150 horses, demonstrating Britain’s unrivalled ceremonial expertise and military precision. The event included a full Sovereign’s Escort, carriage procession, and an extra-large Guard of Honour featuring three of Britain’s oldest regiments: the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards and Scots Guards.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were greeted in Windsor’s Walled Garden by The King and Queen. The Band of the Household Cavalry performed specially arranged music in State Dress, while 41-gun salutes were fired by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Windsor and the Honourable Artillery Company at the Tower of London.
The President joined The King and Queen and The Prince and Princess of Wales in a carriage procession through Windsor Castle’s grounds, escorted by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. The route was lined by 22 half-companies from across the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force, supported by tri-service bands and Corps of Drums.
Major General James Bowder commanded the parade, with Field Officers Major Thomas Stewart (Life Guards) and Major Charles Onslow (Blues and Royals) leading the Sovereign’s Escort. The procession culminated in the Castle’s Quadrangle with a Guard of Honour commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Storm Green of the Coldstream Guards.
The Guard of Honour presented ancient State Colours, ceremonial silk flags weighing over 10kg, accompanied by regimental bands and mounted drummers. The Massed Bands of the Grenadier, Coldstream, and Scots Guards performed both national anthems and music celebrating centuries of UK–US shared history.
Following the inspection of the Guard by President Trump and His Majesty The King, The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ranked past the Royal Dais, followed by the Guard of Honour and Massed Bands.
Later today, the President and First Lady will attend a special Beating Retreat ceremony on Windsor Castle’s East Lawn, featuring performances by the bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, the Royal Air Force, and 16 British Army Pipers. This will conclude with a joint flypast by UK and US F-35 aircraft as well as the Red Arrows.
State visits play a vital role in strengthening Britain’s international relationships, supporting national security and economic growth for working people across the United Kingdom. This driver is particularly relevant with this State Visit due to the US being the UK’s principal defence and security partner.
"When His Majesty The King receives a visitor, then we try to provide the most splendid reception that we can manage. Every State Visit is unique and that is reflected in some of its bespoke elements."
Lt Col Charles Foinette, Brigade Major, Headquarters Household Division said: "When His Majesty The King receives a visitor, then we try to provide the most splendid reception that we can manage. Every State Visit is unique and that is reflected in some of its bespoke elements.”