US President Donald Trump's state visit to the United Kingdom this week will be no stranger to controversy, just as his first was six years ago.
Back then, in June 2019, alongside taking tea with the late Queen, the US President called London Mayor Sadiq Khan a stone-cold loser, backed Boris Johnson in a Tory leadership race, and suggested the NHS should be part of US-UK trade talks. This week's second state visit – unprecedented for a non-royal – promises to follow suit with potential controversy.
There will be protests, and the recent sacking of Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US has cast a diplomatic pall over proceedings. Despite months of careful planning, the chance of complications remains high.
For Palace officials, the focus centers on logistics and security, transforming Windsor Castle into a fortified area satisfying even the most fastidious secret service agents. Locals have jokingly renamed Windsor Trumpton in recognition of the heightened American presence.
Detailing every aspect of the ceremonies, from the menu to the seating plans at the State Banquet, has consumed much of the royal team's efforts. Minutes from the ceremony will feature 1,300 troops and 120 horses, more than were present for French President Macron’s visit earlier this year.
Moreover, potential political gains lie behind Trump's visit, with UK ministers hoping to negotiate the exclusion of UK steel and aluminum from US tariffs, as well as furthering cooperation on artificial intelligence and quantum computing. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces scrutiny, with a significant portion of the public having a negative view of Trump despite the perceived benefits to Britain.
Some officials express optimism about the visit proceeding smoothly due to a common desire for success, but underlying risks, especially linked to previous controversies involving Lord Mandelson and Trump's alleged connections to controversial figures, will remain at the forefront of discussions.
In conclusion, as the world watches with scrutiny, Trump's reintroduction to UK soil poses both a chance for diplomatic advancement and potential political turmoil amidst a complex landscape of public sentiment and international relations.
