The unpredictable British weather has forced a last-minute adjustment to Donald Trump’s state visit itinerary. A joint UK-US flypast of F-35 fighter jets, planned to roar over Windsor Castle this afternoon, was called off due to heavy cloud cover and the threat of rain. Despite the cancellation, the Red Arrows display is still scheduled to take place.
In a historic first for a state visit, the US President and First Lady will join King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Lady Starmer, and British and American military families to witness a Beating Retreat ceremony on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle.
Earlier in the day, the Presidential couple laid a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb inside St George’s Chapel, paying their respects in a private moment. They also toured the chapel, which houses the resting places of 11 monarchs, including Henry VIII, and listened to a performance by young choristers.
The visit also featured a military parade welcome, followed by a viewing of treasures from the Royal Collection with ties to the United States. Highlights included a rare first edition of The General Historie of Virginia by John Smith (1624) and a letter from George III describing the “State of Rebellion” in the American colonies.
Before the display, Trump and his entourage joined a select group of Royals for lunch in the State Dining Room. The King, Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester represented the Royal Family at the table. Other senior royals, including the Princess Royal, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke of Edinburgh, were absent due to overseas commitments.
Despite the weather-related setback, the state visit continues to highlight the close cultural and historical ties between the United Kingdom and the United States.
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