British soldiers prepared for rehearsals in Windsor on Monday to welcome U.S. President Donald Trump for his historic second state visit this week.

The visit, featuring brass bands and a sumptuous banquet served on 200-year-old silver, is a display of the pomp and ceremony that Britain does like no one else.

But it’s a spectacle with a purpose: to bolster ties with one of the world’s most powerful men at a time when his America First policies are roiling longstanding trade and security relationships.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will accompany the president and first lady Melania Trump on a carriage ride through the Windsor estate, then back to the castle along a path lined by members of the armed forces.

"This is the only the 2nd time for about I think about 5 or 6 years we've been actually in Windsor for a state visit. So it's a really big different environment for the horses and ourselves," said Duncan Chalklin, Life Guard Squadron corporal major.

More than 1,500 of military personnel will take part in the ceremonies — mounted troops, foot guards and musicians — after months of rehearsals on Thursday.

AP video by Kwiyeon Ha