Trump UK visit live: Royals meet president at Windsor as thousands plan protest

Protesters are beginning to gather in central London for a march against Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK.

Demonstrators are set to walk from Portland Place to Parliament Square, where a rally will be held at 5pm.

The Independent’s reporter Nicole Wootton-Cane reports from Windsor:

Another protester has said he is “disappointed” the US president has been invited for an unprecedented second state visit.

Elliot, 20, from Windsor, told The Independent: “I’ve lived in Windsor my whole life. I’m quite disappointed really – it’s unprecedented to get a second state visit, especially for Trump of all people. He’s a bit extreme, he doesn’t represent the values of our country.

“I think he’s very involved in culture wars, and he wants to do tariff reforms as well and trade wars that we shouldn’t involve ourselves in. We’re a better country than that. But it seems Starmer thinks otherwise.

“It’s necessary diplomacy, but I’m not sure a state visit was entirely needed. I think getting a letter from the King was good, getting him on side. But in my mind, it isn’t really the way to go. As it says on my sign it didn’t work with Hitler, I don’t think it will work with Donald Trump.”

The Independent’s reporter Nicole Wootton-Cane reports from Windsor:

Donald Trump has been branded a “wannabe dictator” by a protester outside Windsor Castle, who said she wants to “reclaim the English flag”.

Claire, who did not want to give her surname, told The Independent: “I was born here in the UK. I’m here today with this banner to reclaim the English flag. A number of for right requests have been using the St George’s cross to spread fear, hate, and division. I want to say the flag is not theirs, the flag is England’s.”

Speaking of the US president, she said: “I think he’s a wannabe dictator, and I don’t think he should be here in Windsor being hosted by the King and Starmer. I think it’s a disgrace.”

At the welcome at Victoria House, the Prince and Princess of Wales stepped back as the King and Queen greeted and spoke to their American guests.

William and Kate stood side by side smiling and talking to one another, before Kate moved forwards to chat, while gesturing enthusiastically with her hands, to Melania and Camilla.

Mr Trump was seen deep in conversation with the King and was still chatting to him as they settled into their places in the Scottish State Coach and set off in the carriage procession.

James Roscoe, the UK’s charge d’affaires in Washington, was seen at Windsor taking a picture of the spectacle during Donald Trump’s visit.

Mr Roscoe is the most senior diplomat at the embassy in Washington following Lord Mandelson’s sacking as ambassador over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

Veteran public servant Mr Roscoe has held a string of senior roles both within government and the royal household.

Kate gave Donald Trump a broad smile as they shook hands at Windsor Castle.

The four – the Trumps and the Waleses then walked side by side – with William and Mr Trump chatting in the middle of the group, with the US president holding his wife Melania’s hand – towards the front of Victoria House where the King and Queen were waiting.

William was heard to say, “This is my father” to Mr Trump as they approached the King, as Charles gestured with a small wave of his hand.

Mr Trump shook hands with the King and the pair chatted enthusiastically together, with the president also placing his hand on Charles’s arm as they shook hands.