President Trump and King Charles III in a carriage procession at Windsor Castle. Reuters Yonhap News. 

Key figures from the British Royal Family, including King Charles III, welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump to Windsor Castle on the 17th (local time) with a grand welcoming ceremony, marking his second state visit to Britain as a U.S. president.

President Trump previously made a state visit to the UK in June 2019, during his first term, at the invitation of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The British Royal Family traditionally does not invite heads of state for a second state visit during their term.

After arriving at Stansted Airport in London on the evening of the 16th and staying overnight at Winfield House, the U.S. ambassador's residence, President Trump arrived in Windsor on the presidential helicopter Marine One with his wife, Melania, where they were welcomed by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.

They then met King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who were waiting in front of Windsor Castle. At this time, 41 ceremonial gun salutes were fired from Windsor Castle and the Tower of London.

King Charles III and President Trump boarded the "Irish State Coach," a lavish gold-plated carriage adorned with symbols of the British Royal Family, and entered the castle, escorted by the Household Cavalry, as they traversed the Windsor grounds.

This carriage is used by the monarch when traveling to the "King's Speech" for the State Opening of Parliament and was also used for Queen Elizabeth II's wedding. This highlights the grand welcome extended to President Trump by the British Royal Family.

Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania rode together in the "Scottish State Coach." Queen Camilla wore a blue suit and hat, while Melania wore a purple wide-brimmed hat similar in color to President Trump's tie. The Princess of Wales was dressed in a red suit.

Following this, King Charles III and President Trump reviewed the guard of honor at the official welcoming ceremony within Windsor Castle. Local media reported that 1,300 British soldiers and 120 horses were mobilized for this welcoming ceremony.

President and Mrs. Trump and King and Queen Charles III salute during the national anthem. Reuters Yonhap News. 

Throughout the welcoming ceremony, from the carriage procession to the inspection of the guard of honor, King Charles III and President Trump appeared to be engaged in conversation.

They then proceeded to a private luncheon within Windsor Castle.

In the afternoon, a joint flypast by U.S. and British military aircraft is scheduled, marking the first such event during this state visit. According to the UK Ministry of Defence, F-35 fighter jets from both nations will participate to symbolize defense and security cooperation.

Vigorous security measures were in place throughout the Windsor area.

Steel barriers were erected around Windsor Castle. The BBC noted that while Windsor Castle has hosted many heads of state and high-level delegations over the years, security of this level has not been observed before.

Tourists and Trump supporters also gathered near Windsor Castle.

Protests against Trump's visit were also planned in the heart of the capital, London. On the previous night, dozens of people gathered in front of Windsor Castle to protest, and for several minutes, photos and videos mocking Trump were projected onto the outer walls of the castle. Police intervened, halted the projections, and arrested four individuals at the scene for investigation.

Yonhap News