Trump gets rare second UK state visit with King Charles
For the British, the distinction between state visits and official visits has always carried weight. State visits bring full royal pageantry — guard of honor, cavalry bands, and formal banquets — making them a prized instrument of diplomacy. Traditionally, second-term US presidents have not been granted such honors. Donald Trump, however, is breaking that convention. This week, King Charles III will host the former president and First Lady Melania Trump for an unprecedented second state visit. Only four US presidents have ever received this level of reception, and Trump now accounts for half of them. The royal family has spared no effort to prepare. Trump’s two-day agenda includes a carriage procession through Windsor Castle, a flyover by the Red Arrows, and a rare “beating retreat” military ceremony — both firsts for a state visit. A grand banquet at St George’s […]
