Windsor Castle, with its storied walls and regal history, found itself at the center of a spectacle this September as US President Donald Trump embarked on his second state visit to the United Kingdom. Over a whirlwind 48 hours, the visit was marked by grand ceremony, awkward moments, political protest, and a swirl of speculation about the future of Anglo-American relations. While the red carpet was rolled out for the president, the shadow of controversy and public dissent loomed just beyond the castle gates.
The visit officially began on September 16, 2025, as President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived in Windsor. Security was notably tight, with Thames Valley Police stating they were "prepared for protests" and taking "any unauthorised activity around Windsor Castle extremely seriously." This heightened vigilance was a direct response to the president's high profile, particularly given two assassination attempts against him in the prior year, according to The Express.
While the pageantry unfolded inside the castle—media allowed a glimpse of the splendor, but the public largely kept at a distance—the streets of Windsor and London buzzed with activity of a different kind. Protesters, both organized and spontaneous, made their voices heard. The day before Trump's arrival, the campaign group Led By Donkeys projected a massive image of the president alongside disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein onto one of Windsor Castle's towers. The projection, which also included quotes from Epstein and an image of Prince Andrew with the financier, was quickly shut down by police, who arrested four men aged between 36 and 60 on suspicion of 'malicious communications' and causing 'public nuisance.' All were later released on bail as investigations continued, reported Windsor Observer.
This wasn't the only protest action. The group Everyone Hates Elon, known for its criticism of Elon Musk, displayed a giant picture of Trump and Epstein near the castle and even claimed to have smuggled souvenir teacups bearing the image into the Windsor Castle gift shop. Meanwhile, the Stop Trump Coalition organized demonstrations in both Windsor and London, with protesters donning satirical attire and brandishing placards critical of the president. Yet, Trump supporters were not absent, with some visitors proudly sporting 'Make America Great Again' hats, a nod to the president's signature slogan.
Security concerns extended to the skies, as two men were arrested for flying drones in restricted airspace around Windsor Castle the day before the state visit. The men were later cautioned, but the incident underscored the meticulous precautions taken to safeguard the event.
Inside the castle, the atmosphere was markedly different. The president was treated to the full measure of royal hospitality, including a state banquet at Windsor Castle's St George's Hall on September 17. Trump, clearly moved by the occasion, declared, “This is truly one of the highest honours of my life,” before adding with a smile, “This was the second state visit… and I hope it will be the last time.” The remark, which left King Charles, Senator Marco Rubio, and other guests awkwardly laughing, sparked speculation about whether it was a joke, a gaffe, or a subtle hint about his future intentions, as noted by Indy100.
Ingrid Seward, Editor of Majesty Magazine, observed that Trump “was on his best behavior and took an almost childish delight in the pageantry being laid on for him.” She described the visit as “the supreme example of the soft power of the monarchy,” adding, “The King was obviously both amused and bemused by Trump.” A palace insider dismissed rumors of a clash between US Secret Service agents and palace staff prior to the banquet, calling such claims “categorically untrue.”
Throughout his stay, Trump made no secret of his admiration for the Royal Family, calling his time with King Charles his favorite moment. “Just being with King Charles. He's a wonderful guy. I got to know him very well. I knew him before, but now I know him a little better,” he told reporters, according to The Express. He also praised Prince William as “remarkable” and described Princess Kate as “radiant” and “beautiful.” The president marveled at the artwork and ceremony, noting, “They treated us great. They treated our country great. I view that as being really respectful for our country. The way they did it... was beautiful. We had the biggest people in the world there.”
The visit also featured a Beating the Retreat ceremony within the grounds of Windsor Castle, a spectacle that further underscored the pomp and circumstance surrounding the occasion. Unlike the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron earlier that summer, Trump's procession did not wind through crowded streets; instead, the public was kept at arm's length, a decision shaped by security concerns and the president's recent history.
Beyond the castle walls, the response was mixed. Approximately 5,000 protesters gathered in London, their presence a reminder that the president remains a deeply polarizing figure in the UK. The projection of Trump and Epstein onto Windsor Castle, orchestrated by Led By Donkeys, was widely reported and became a talking point both in Britain and abroad. The president, for his part, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
The visit also had its lighter moments. Trump, reflecting on his relationship with the Royal Family, remarked, “William is wonderful. And I knew Charles as a prince and now I know him as a king and he's doing very well. It was a lovely trip and I thought the press was really nice.” These words, combined with the president's open admiration for the monarchy, did not go unnoticed. Discussions are reportedly underway for a reciprocal visit by King Charles to the United States, possibly in 2026 to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. However, royal commentator Ingrid Seward suggested it may be more likely that Prince William and Kate Middleton would represent the Royal Family instead, given Charles' many previous visits to America.
As the dust settled on the visit, one thing was clear: the "special relationship" between the United States and the United Kingdom had been reaffirmed, albeit with all the spectacle, controversy, and complexity that such a relationship entails. For Windsor, it was a week that brought global attention, passionate protest, and a fresh chapter in the long-running story of transatlantic diplomacy.
