Many may argue that pageantry and showmanship is an inseparable part of President Donald Trump’s character. His proclaimed interest in royalty and aristocratic practices, especially those of the British royal family, solidify this opinion. The regal family, composed of a king, queen, princes, princess, and assortments of other noble associates, are masters of grand ceremonies, air parades, historic horse-drawn carriages, extravagant feasts, and all varieties of gilded elaborate displays. Trump’s deep admiration for such opulence, therefore, finds a fitting outlet in his ardor for the British royals.
On September 17, President Trump set foot into Windsor Castle, marking the beginning of a two-day official visit to the United Kingdom. Due to national security considerations and potential public demonstrations, his activities during this visit shall largely remain concealed from public eyes. Unlike French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump would not partake in a ceremonial carriage procession through the compact streets of Windsor. Despite this, the UK intends to extend the usual ceremonial rituals to welcome the President.
Trump’s entrance shall be heralded by military bands and horseback riders, in a demonstration of Britain’s grandeur. Royal 21-gun salutes would echo from the royal castle’s lawn, indicating the start of a carriage procession. Indeed, nowhere is tradition put on display as elegantly as within the royal walls of Windsor Castle. A grand banquet awaits in the St. George’s Hall, to be held amid medieval weaponry and regalia. Precise cutlery layouts and resplendent tiaras shall be highlights of the regal event.
However, Trump’s visit isn’t strictly about royal spectacle. Dynamic geopolitical undercurrents course through this state visit, the mere occurrence of which hints at some profound implications. US Presidents regularly journey to Britain, engaging in different types of visits from working to informal. Yet, the red-carpet treatment, state visits used to fortify international relations, hosted by Britain’s reigning monarch upon governmental advice, are seldom seen.
Contrasting common practice, American Presidents aren’t typically extended a state visit offer during their second term in office. Identifying this norm, if they find themselves in Britain during their second term, they would usually receive an invitation for a more informal meeting with the reigning monarch, over tea or lunch. On this visit, President Trump also plans to journey to Chequers, UK’s historical site of power. Here, he shall render a visit to archives associated with Britain’s iconic wartime prime minister, Winston Churchill, conduct his official bilateral meeting, and organize a press conference.
Nevertheless, the visit may not be all steeped in the royal experience and cultural endowments. Stark reminders of this point can be drawn from Trump’s first state visit to the UK in 2019. In this visit, he sparked controversy by publicly criticising London’s Labour Party Mayor Sadiq Khan as a ‘stone-cold loser’. His comments resulted in more than one million citizens signing a petition to revoke his state visit privilege, considering his stances on immigration and other disputed subjects.
The 2019 visit was further marked by public outcry as protestors manifested an inflatable caricature known as ‘Trump Baby’ adjacent to UK’s Parliament. Presently, Britain’s anticipated move to join France and other nations in the acknowledgment of Palestinian nationhood at the forthcoming U.N. General Assembly in New York is expected to stir the pot, given Trump’s opposition to the move.
Members of Trump’s closest advisory circle, which includes Vice President JD Vance, accuse Britain of hushing voices of dissent, primarily from right-wing activists. In a surprising move recently, the British leader detached the country’s ambassador to the US from his duties due to comments he made about his association with the infamous financier Jeffrey Epstein, years ago.
In connection to the aforementioned relation, Trump too has been facing backlash for claims about his alleged contribution of a risqué illustration of a woman for a publication celebrating Epstein’s 50th birthday. Trump relentlessly denies any such involvement. Amidst all these potential flashpoints, British law enforcement authorities are diligently preparing for any scenario that could arise during the President’s visit.
However, public demonstrations are predicted to occur in response to Trump’s visit. With the ongoing media discourse surrounding the dismissal of the ambassador and the controversy surrounding Epstein, this visit shall likely be tainted by these issues. Furthermore, public disposition towards the President has been largely negative. Recent evidence of this sentiment can be found in a YouGov poll which revealed in July that only 16% of British respondents had a positive perception of President Donald Trump.
The post Trump’s Regalia-filled Visit to Windsor Castle: A Grandeur Display of Admiration for the Royals appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
