On Tuesday evening, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived in the UK for a two-day state visit, landing at London’s Stansted Airport.
Air Force One touched down shortly after 9pm (BST), where Trump and Melania were welcomed by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and the US Ambassador to the UK, Warren Stephens.
Representing the King, Vicount Hood, Lord-in-Waiting, was also present to meet the couple.
After exiting Air Force One, Trump and Melania boarded helicopter Marine One, which transported them to the Ambassador’s residence.
On Tuesday night (16 September), they stayed at Winfield House in Regent’s Park to prepare for a busy second state visit for the President.
Speaking upon arrival, Trump commented: “We had a good flight, a lot of people came with us. Tomorrow’s going to be a very big day, Mr Ambassador. I love Turnberry. I love Aberdeen, I have a lot of things here that – they warm my heart, I wanna tell you.
“It’s a very special place, great place.”
On his relationship with King Charles III, he added: “We’re going to see him tomorrow and he’s been a friend of mine for a long time, and everybody respects him, and they love him.”
As Trump arrived in the UK, observers noted a detail that some interpreted as an ‘insult’ to the president.
There was no red carpet rolled out for Trump upon his arrival from Air Force One.
One person commented online: “US President Trump arrives in the United Kingdom on an official visit.. but no red carpet for him in London, just the airplane runway and a few soldiers!”
Another wrote: “No red carpet treatment for Trump as he arrives into the UK on Airforce 1. Whatever you may think of Trump, this just is not protocol and an insult.”
A third added: “No red carpet for Trump in England. Shame on you Starmer!”
Although the absence of a red carpet is unclear, some suggest that Stansted Airport does not typically follow this protocol, with a more formal welcome expected at Windsor Castle.
On Wednesday (September 17), Trump is scheduled to meet Prince William, Kate Middleton, King Charles, and the Queen at Windsor Castle.
The itinerary includes a military flypast, a visit to the late Queen’s tomb, and an evening state banquet where both the King and President will deliver speeches.
Despite the absence of a red carpet, Trump’s arrival was marked by protests as images of him and the late Jeffrey Epstein were projected onto Windsor Castle, resulting in four arrests.