• President Trump begins his second state visit to the UK with a grand reception at Windsor Castle.
• King Charles III commends Trump's "personal commitment" to peace during a lavish banquet.
• Historic pageantry included a military honor guard and a carriage procession through Windsor.

President Trump received a grand welcome at Windsor Castle as he began his second state visit to the UK, greeted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The visit unfolded amidst military honor guards and elaborate public displays, underscoring the ceremonial nature of the event aimed at strengthening transatlantic ties during a time of political sensitivities regarding U.S. policies abroad, according to BBC and Los Angeles Times.

The day was marked by pomp, including a carriage procession featuring 120 horses and 1,300 troops, which was described as the largest guard of honor in contemporary memory. Such scale was designed to impress President Trump, who has a known affinity for grandeur, as he engaged with King Charles in the Irish State Coach during the ceremony, which involved military bands performing both U.S. and British national anthems, according to Los Angeles Times and Le Monde.

Later, a lavish state banquet was held in Trump's honor, attended by around 160 guests where King Charles praised Trump's “personal commitment” to peace, acknowledging the importance of the U.S.-UK relationship. Trump reciprocated the praise by referring to the countries as "two notes in one chord," emphasizing their unity, according to Le Monde.

The event showcased both the UK's desire to maintain strong ties with the Trump administration amid various international crises and the necessity to manage public sentiment surrounding the visit. Protests were notably kept at bay, occurring away from the events at Windsor Castle. According to reports, thousands marched in London expressing discontent toward Trump, highlighting the contrast between the royal spectacle and public opinion regarding the U.S. president, as covered by Los Angeles Times and Le Monde.