Britain is preparing to give Donald Trump an unprecedented second UK state visit on Wednesday, rolling out royal pageantry on a scale not seen in decades.
King Charles III will greet the US president at Windsor Castle, where a day of ceremonial splendor, military displays, and a lavish state banquet is planned — all staged behind closed doors and away from expected noisy protests.
Trump, 79, becomes the first US president to receive two UK state visits, underscoring Britain’s bid to win his favor at a time of global uncertainty.
Officials say the welcome will be the biggest military ceremonial reception in living memory, eclipsing even Queen Elizabeth II’s hosting of Trump in 2019. It will include:
- A carriage procession with King Charles and Queen Camilla inside Windsor grounds
- A 120-horse guard of honour with 1,300 troops
- The first-ever joint UK-US fighter jet flypast at such an event, capped by the RAF’s Red Arrows display team
- A white-tie state banquet inside Windsor Castle, where both Trump and Charles are expected to deliver speeches
Trump, who has often professed admiration for Britain’s monarchy, appeared pleased as he arrived in London on Tuesday, declaring: “A lot of things here warm my heart.” He also described King Charles, who is undergoing cancer treatment, as “my friend.”
The visit, however, is not without controversy. Police arrested four people late Tuesday for projecting images of Trump alongside disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle. Epstein’s shadow continues to trouble both the royal family and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who last week sacked UK ambassador Peter Mandelson over his ties to the late sex offender.
Protest organizers expect thousands to rally in London despite the security cordon keeping Trump’s events far from public view.
On Thursday, Trump will meet Starmer at the PM’s country retreat, Chequers, with discussions expected to cover trade, Ukraine, and the Middle East. British officials hope Trump leaves “feeling the warm glow of royal soft power,” though his unpredictability on tariffs and foreign policy leaves little guaranteed.
Adding to the backdrop, pharmaceutical giant GSK announced it will invest $30 billion in the US over five years, a move likely to bolster goodwill between the allies.
The Trumps will also lay a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb, marking their respect for the late monarch who died in 2022.
As Britain turns up the pomp to the maximum, the question remains: will the spectacle charm a president who once declared of himself, “LONG LIVE THE KING!”?
About the author
Shank Comics claims Bovi Basketmouth are richer than Asake Wizkid
Skit maker and streamer Shank Comics says leading Nigerian comedians like Bovi Ugboma and Basketmouth are wealthier than some of the country’s biggest music stars, including Asake and Wizkid . Speaking during a recent livestream, Shank argued that comedy brings in strong long term income and that many comedians quietly build wealth while living modest lifestyles . He claimed that unlike some popular musicians, comedians often avoid extravagant spending on luxury cars and instead focus on safety, stability and long term financial security . Using Bovi as an example, Shank said the comedian is content driving a regular Lexus and has little interest in buying Ferraris, Lamborghinis or other flashy cars that some artistes are known for . He insisted that Bovi and Basketmouth are richer than stars such as Asake and Wizkid, but that their low key approach to […]
Labake Olododo becomes big hit at Nigerian box office
Labake Olododo has become a major success at the Nigerian box office, earning 202 million naira within its first two weeks in cinemas . The film opened with 50.4 million naira in its first three days and went on to top the box office charts for several consecutive weekends, quickly becoming only the second movie to cross the 200 million naira mark last year . Industry observers say the film’s strong performance reflects a wider resurgence of interest in period dramas, as audiences are once again embracing historical stories across books, television and film . On streaming platforms, shows such as Vikings have shown how history themed content can attract large audiences, and this renewed appetite for the past is also visible in other areas of entertainment and culture . Museums have reported about a 10 percent rise in visitors […]
Seun Kuti urges jailing of pastors who stage fake miracles
Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has called on the federal government to introduce strict laws against pastors who claim to perform fake miracles . In a video shared online, he urged the authorities to regulate miracle claims by requiring that they be verified and confirmed by medical experts . Kuti suggested that institutions such as Lagos University Teaching Hospital should be involved in checking whether any alleged miracles are genuine . He argued that supposed miracles must be repeatable and demonstrable under medical supervision before they can be accepted as real . To illustrate his point, he said a true miracle would include restoring full sight to a person who has no eyeballs at all, not just someone who has been blind for many years . Kuti said anyone who claims to perform miracles should be ready to repeat them for […]
Remi Surutu says Tinubu not to blame for fuel price hikes
Veteran actress Remi Surutu has defended President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the recent surge in fuel prices, saying the hikes are driven by global forces and not by the president or his government . Surutu spoke at the launch of EKO57, a support group created to mobilise backing for Tinubu’s second term bid, where she argued that decisions by world leaders largely determine petrol prices worldwide . She recalled confronting someone who blamed Tinubu for the fuel hike, insisting that the president is not responsible for the rise in petrol costs and that fuel pricing is influenced by international actors and market dynamics . According to her, many Nigerians wrongly assume that Tinubu controls fuel prices, whereas the increases reflect wider global economic and political developments beyond the direct control of the Nigerian government . Surutu reaffirmed her long standing […]
Lagos to host 2026 youth swimming talent trials
Lagos State will host the 2026 Swimming Trials for young athletes on March 22, 2026, at the Rowe Park Sports Complex in Yaba . The event will bring together emerging talents from across the state as the Lagos State Sports Commission works to identify swimmers who can represent Lagos in future national and international competitions . The trials are open to active male and female swimmers aged 16 and under, with entries expected from clubs, schools and training centres across Lagos . According to the Commission, the programme is part of a wider plan to deepen grassroots sports development and strengthen the talent pipeline in aquatic sports . Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, said the trials reflect the state’s commitment to building a strong foundation for sports through structured competitions and systematic athlete identification . […]
Iran in talks with FIFA to move US World Cup games to Mexico
Iran’s football federation says it is in talks with FIFA about moving the national team’s World Cup group matches from the United States to Mexico because of the war in the Middle East and security concerns . Iran are due to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle at this summer’s tournament, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico . However, Iran’s embassy in Mexico said on Monday that officials are now “negotiating” with FIFA to have Iran’s matches held in Mexico instead of the United States . Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian football federation, was quoted on the embassy’s X account as saying that when US President Donald Trump has openly said he cannot guarantee the security of the Iranian team, the squad will certainly not travel to America […]
Related
Trump says Iran’s new Supreme Leader is alive but “damaged”
United States President Donald Trump says he believes Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is still alive but “damaged” after the US and Israel’s opening strikes on Iran. Mojtaba, whose father and former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the war, has not been seen in public since he was selected by Iran’s Assembly of Experts on March 8. His first comments to the nation were delivered as a written message read out by a television presenter, fuelling speculation about his condition. An Iranian official told Reuters that the new leader was “lightly injured” and continues to function, with state TV referring to him as “war wounded.” Asked about rumours that Mojtaba might be dead or incapacitated, Trump told Fox News’ “Brian Kilmeade Show”: “I think he probably is (alive). I think he is […]
Iran conflict: US embassy warns of possible Abuja protests
The United States embassy in Abuja has warned its citizens about the possibility of protests in Nigeria’s capital linked to the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. In a security alert, the embassy said there is a high potential for demonstrations in Abuja on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, noting that previous protests by some groups have led to violent clashes with Nigerian security forces. The embassy advised US citizens in Abuja to remain in their homes on that day, avoid protest areas and large gatherings, and maintain a low profile while monitoring local media for updates. It also urged them to review their personal security plans, keep their phones charged, carry valid identification, and stay alert in public spaces such as markets, malls, and places of worship. The embassy further encouraged citizens to familiarise themselves with emergency exits in […]
Oil Prices Jump Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Global oil prices climbed sharply after Iran intensified strikes across the Middle East, raising fears of disruption to energy supplies. Brent crude, the international benchmark, jumped 10% on Monday to briefly exceed $82 per barrel following reports that at least three vessels were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend. Natural gas prices also surged by up to 25% amid concerns about supply constraints. Iran warned commercial vessels against passing through the strategic waterway, through which roughly 20% of global oil and gas shipments transit. Shipping activity at the entrance to the strait has slowed dramatically, with analysts cautioning that a prolonged disruption could drive energy prices significantly higher. In the UK, the FTSE 100 opened nearly 1% lower, with airline shares hit by widespread airspace closures across the Middle East. European markets experienced sharper losses: France’s CAC […]
US lawmaker: Christians suffer most from Nigeria’s violence, urges Trump to act
United States lawmaker Riley Moore says Christians have borne the overwhelming brunt of violent attacks in Nigeria for over 20 years and urged President Donald Trump to take decisive action. Moore said insecurity affects people of all faiths but insisted that Christians are disproportionately targeted. He claimed Christians are about five times more likely to be killed than any other religious group and accused Fulani militias and terrorist organisations of repeatedly attacking Christian communities, pastors and priests, and burning schools and churches, often on holy days. He praised Trump’s readiness to defend Christians globally and described the current moment as a once in a generation opportunity to deepen US–Nigeria relations while confronting the crisis. He acknowledged that Nigeria needs support to tackle insecurity but said President Bola Tinubu’s government must show stronger political will. Moore argued that any future bilateral […]
Modi visits Israel as US Iran tensions rise
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Israel on Wednesday for a two day visit that both governments say will deepen ties, as fears grow over a possible military clash between the United States and Iran. Modi, a Hindu nationalist, was the first Indian prime minister ever to visit Israel in 2017, when he and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu famously walked barefoot together on a Haifa beach. The two men remain in power nearly nine years later and describe each other as friends. During this visit they are expected to hold talks on artificial intelligence and defence cooperation at a time when Israel is seeking to expand its military exports. An Israeli government official said the trip would pave the way for new partnerships in many sectors, while a foreign ministry official said bilateral relations were close to a significant […]
Islamic leaders reject US call on Sharia, blasphemy laws
Islamic leaders in Nigeria have rejected a recommendation by a United States congressional panel asking the Federal Government to scrap Sharia and blasphemy laws, saying the demand touches on national sovereignty, the constitution and fragile interfaith relations in the country. Those who spoke include an official of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs who asked not to be named, Sheikh Sidi Munir of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Nurudeen Khalid, former Chief Imam of the National Assembly Legislative Quarters Juma’at Mosque in Abuja, and Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of Muslim Rights Concern. The US panel’s report followed hearings, expert consultations and fact-finding visits to Nigeria and suggested possible sanctions, visa bans and a new security partnership to protect vulnerable communities, while also urging Nigeria to show clear action against religious persecution and insecurity. Responding, the NSCIA official […]