US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, 17 September, for a state visit, greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales. Dressed in a striking burgundy Emilia Wickstead dress, complemented by a matching hat and feather brooch, Princess Kate welcomed the Trumps with a warm smile. Trump reportedly complimented her, saying, "You’re so beautiful," while also showing camaraderie with Prince William by patting his arm and referring to him as "my friend."

The royal couple escorted the Trumps to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla, who were waiting at the gable-ended Victoria House, a venue not previously used for state visits. This visit marks a significant moment, as Trump is the first elected leader in modern history to be invited for two state visits by British monarchs.

Body language expert Bruce Durham noted a subtle gesture from Princess Kate during the greeting. He observed that as she noticed the closeness between the Trumps, she shifted her handbag, indicating a desire to move closer to William while adhering to royal protocol. This moment highlighted the different expectations of behaviour between the American and British parties.

The day was filled with ceremonial grandeur, including a military parade described as the largest guard of honour ever for a state visit. The Trumps were treated to a carriage procession through the Windsor estate, escorted by the Sovereign's Escort of the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. Later, they participated in a Beating Retreat ceremony featuring a flypast of UK and US F-35 fighter jets and the Red Arrows.

In a notable fashion moment, Melania Trump wore a Christian Dior Haute Couture dark grey suit paired with a wide-brimmed purple hat. The two women, Melania and Kate, are set to make history with their first joint outing later in the day, visiting Frogmore Gardens and engaging with members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme.

The visit has drawn mixed reactions, with some crowds supporting Trump, while protests against his presence are planned in London. Security measures are tight, with four arrests made near Windsor after images of Trump and the late Jeffrey Epstein were projected onto the castle. The state visit is expected to bolster the US-UK relationship, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer anticipated to leverage the occasion.