President Donald Trump faced an unexpected incident when a helicopter he was aboard had to make an emergency landing during his return to the US.
After completing a state visit to the UK on September 18, where he met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, Trump was heading to London Stansted Airport with his wife, Melania. The couple had previously visited Windsor Castle to meet King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
En route to the airport, a ‘minor hydraulic issue’ forced their helicopter, Marine One, to land at Luton Airport, located 54 miles from their intended destination.
The BBC reported that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the helicopter landed at a ‘local airfield’ before arriving at Stansted about 20 minutes late. She mentioned that the precaution was taken to ensure safety, and the Trumps were then able to board the support helicopter.
Emergency services were on hand at Luton Airport to respond to the situation.
Marine One helicopters, which often fly in formation with decoys, are equipped with missile defense systems and advanced electronics that can withstand electromagnetic pulses from nuclear blasts.
During his visit to the UK, Trump used the helicopter to travel between various locations.
A body language expert noted signs of impatience from King Charles during their meeting at Windsor Castle. According to the Daily Mail, Judi James observed ‘a moment of suppressed tetchiness’ from Charles as he followed Trump while he inspected the royal guardsmen.
“Despite walking a very emphatic pace behind Trump as he inspects the troops, there is a moment of suppressed tetchiness from Charles as he realises there is a long conversation going on which might delay the schedule,” said James.
James further commented, “The King edges up to Trump, his hands clenching and unclenching in a gesture of impatience, and he places a hand on Trump’s back to get him moving along again.”
According to James, Charles performed ‘a solicitous bow as Trump walks ahead, which is an incredibly unusual act of ‘self-lowering’ of the King’s status to raise the status of his guest’.
Adding to the delay, Trump arrived at 12.16pm, 20 minutes past the scheduled time, while King Charles arrived at 12.02pm.
Lip reader Nicola Hickling suggested that during the wait, Charles seemed to say ‘go away’ to someone nearby, though the recipient of the comment was unclear.