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These Photos Of The Trumps At The UK State Banquet Show The Royal Treatment Is Real
Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are expected to spend a jam-packed three days attending meetings, ceremonial events, lavish dinners, and certainly a tea or two during the president's first official state visit to the United Kingdom. Trump touched down in London early Monday and was immediately whisked off to meet the Queen. In fact, photos of Trump's U.K. visit show he, Melania, and the royal family may be on their way to becoming old friends.
While Trump has visited the United Kingdom before — he and Melania met the queen last July — this is his first official state visit across the pond. But despite his history with Queen Elizabeth II, Trump's visit could get a little awkward, depending on who's in the room, given some of the controversial comments he made prior to his arrival.
Over the weekend, for example, Trump called Meghan Markle's previous criticisms about him "nasty" in an interview with British tabloid The Sun. The Duchess of Sussex is not expected to meet with Trump during his state visit as she is on maternity leave following the birth of her son, Archie, according to the BBC.
Then, hours before his plane touched down in the United Kingdom, Trump attacked London Mayor Sadiq Khan on Twitter, calling him "a stone cold loser" and alleging he'd done a "terrible job as mayor." Khan has been a vocal critic of the U.S. president and The New York Times recently reported that he'd granted protesters permission to fly a giant balloon float that depicts Trump as an orange baby during the president's visit.
Here's a look at how Trump's visit has progressed so far:
Not Everyone Wanted To Warmly Welcome Trump
While the president and first lady are expected to receive a warm welcome from multiple members of the royal family, many Londoners are expected to attend anti-Trump protests scheduled to coincide with Trump's visit. A group of protesters unfurled a "Resist Trump" banner in London just prior to the U.S. president's arrival.
Still, Spectators Turned Up For Trump's Arrival
But while anti-Trump protesters gathered elsewhere in London, throngs of spectators were on hand Monday to catch Marine One, the president's helicopter, landing at Buckingham Palace.
Speaking Of Spectators
Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, were spotted peeking through the windows at Buckingham Palace in order to catch a glimpse of Donald and Melania Trump's ceremonial welcome.
Greetings
The first couple was greeted on the lawn at Buckingham Palace by Charles, Prince of Wales, and his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
A Royal Welcome
The president then met the queen and received a ceremonial welcome, which included royal gun salutes and troop inspections.
Troop Inspection
President Trump inspected the troops at Buckingham Palace alongside Prince Charles.
Hold On To Your Hats
As Trump inspected the troops with Prince Charles during the ceremonial welcome, Melania and Camilla fought to hold on to their hats in the wind while standing alongside Queen Elizabeth on the steps of Buckingham Palace.
The Queen's Gift
The queen gifted Melania with a "specially commissioned silver box" designed to look like the ceiling of Buckingham Palace's music room with a "handcrafted enamel lid," per CNN.
A Royal Tour
During their visit with the queen at Buckingham Palace, the Trumps were given a tour of the palace's royal gift collection. Per CNN, the queen opted to show the president and the first lady artifacts that specifically related to either the United States, such as the Declaration of Independence, or Scotland, the homeland of some of Trump's ancestors.
The Grave Of The Unknown Warrior
Following a private lunch with the queen, the president and first lady traveled with Andrew, Duke of York to Westminster Abbey. There, they laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.
The Sights At Westminster Abbey
Both the president and first lady were given a private tour of the abbey.
The Family That Tours Together
Ivanka and Kushner were also on hand during the president's tour of Westminster Abbey.
The Guestbook
No trip to Westminster Abbey is complete without signing the guestbook. The Trumps left a thank-you note as well.
Care For A Cuppa?
Following their tour of Westminster Abbey, Trump and Melania met back up with Charles and Camilla to enjoy a spot of tea at Clarence House.
The Day's Not Over Yet
Trump and Melania were expected to return to Buckingham Palace in the evening for a state dinner hosted by the queen.
A Lavish Affair
The queen, the Trumps, Prince Charles, and Camilla attended a state banquet in Buckingham Palace.
The Arrivals
The president and first lady arrived with the queen.
Kate Middleton (aka Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge) was there, walking with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
Ivanka strolled with the UK's secretary of state for international trade, Liam Fox.
And Kellyanne Conway walked in with the Duke of Kent. Sarah Huckabee Sanders was also in attendance, in red.
Cheers!
Trump and the queen celebrate with a cheers during the banquet.
In the following days, Trump is expected to host his own dinner and commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day landings alongside the queen before heading to Ireland and, later, France.
