Security measures in place for Donald Trump’s UK visit state revealed as protests planned
More than half of Brits have an unfavourable opinion on the US PresidentDonald Trump’s second state visit to the UK has begun, after King Charles personally invited the president to return.
The invitation came as a surprise, as it is uncommon for former US presidents to receive such honours more than once. Traditionally, only serving presidents are granted state visits, while returning leaders may be invited for more informal meetings with the monarch. This decision by King Charles has sparked both heightened security alerts and protest plans.
Donald Trump landed on British soil on Tuesday evening (September 16), ahead of his busy schedule with the royals on his UK state visit. But what does this mean for the security measures in place for the highly-publicised event?
Complex security plans in place for Donald Trump’s state visit
A complex policing operation is underway for Donald Trump’s UK state visit, spanning key sites including Windsor Castle and Chequers. Armed officers, search dogs, horses, drones, and specialist maritime teams are being deployed to manage both security threats and planned protests.
The police operation spans land, air, and water, involving specialist units and increased patrols. Officers are assessing threat levels daily, emphasising intelligence sharing and rapid response.
“We are constantly keeping under review our approach to these operations. We’re doing that on a daily basis, right through the planning phase,” Assistant Chief Constable Bunt of Thames Valley Police said.
“I am very content that we have planned a very comprehensive policing and security operation that has taken into consideration just about every eventuality of what could happen.”
Read more: Queen Elizabeth’s ‘unfiltered thoughts’ on Donald and Melania Trump behind palace doors
Reports also state additional restrictions on the River Thames and the riverbanks around Windsor will be enforced.
Officers have been authorised to carry equipment and weapons such as Tasers, baton guns and, shotguns for their safety and for the protection of those attending the UK state visit – especially Donald Trump, who will be accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Steve Witkoff, the envoy for the Middle East peace missions.
Donald Trump calls King Charles the wrong name hours before meeting
Donald Trump’s state visit didn’t exactly have the best start, after the president called King Charles by the wrong name before heading over to the UK.
Speaking to ITV News, the 79-year-old said: “[King Charles and Queen Camilla] are friends of mine for a long time, long before he was king.
“It’s an honour to have him as king. I think he represents the country so well. He’s such an elegant gentleman.”
Trump addd: “My relationship is very good with the UK and Charles, who’s now king, is my friend. It’s the first time this has ever happened where somebody was honoured twice. So it’s a great honour.”
But when he gushed about meeting the royals at Windsor Castle, he called Charles by his former royal title – prince.
He said: “They’ve never used Windsor Castle for this before. They use Buckingham Palace. And I don’t want to say one’s better than the other, but they say Windsor Castle is the ultimate, right? So it’s going to be nice.”
Trump added: “Primarily it’s to be with Prince Charles and Camilla.”
Fans reacted to the news, calling the president’s mistake ‘very unprofessional’.
Read more: King Charles ‘appalled’ by Donald Trump’s remarks as monarch ‘concerned’ for UK state visit
President visit sparks backlash
Donald Trump’s second UK state visit has sparked backlash from activist groups, over his comments on immigration and human rights.
The Stop Trump Coalition’s protest against the president is planned for his first official day – Wednesday, September 17.
Nick Dearden, director of Global Justice Now added: “Why on earth would we want to accord this man a second state visit? 78% of Britons have a negative view of Trump, and with good reason.”
A recent poll in January found that 6 in 10 Britons hold an unfavourable view on the president. A petition was even launched begging King Charles to ‘withdraw’ his invitation.
The protest is taking to the streets from Portland Place, near the BBC. Speeches will begin there before protesters march down Regent Street, through Piccadilly Circus, and on to Whitehall, with the rally taking place at Parliament Square from 5pm to 7pm.
Tensions continue to rise after Donald Trump arrival in the UK – but will this help cement a relationship between the royals and the president?
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