Trump arrives in London welcomed by Queen to palace
Queen welcomes President Trump to Buckingham Palace. Donald Trump and First Lady Melaina Trump are at Buckingham Palace for a private lunch and welcome ceremony.
The US President Donald Trump will the meet the Royal family and Prime Minister Theresa May, as Marine One helicopter fleet swoops over Central London. Minutes before touching down, Mr Trump tweeted that Mayor of London Sadiq Khan who had earlier said the UK should “not roll out the red carpet” for Mr Trump – was “ stone cold loser”, with whom he has clashed in the past. The president added he was looking forward to his visit.
Earlier, Air Force One touched down at Stansted Airport, north-east of London and was greeted by US Ambassador to the UK Woody Johnson and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt. After landing Mr Trump headed to Winfield House in Regent’s Park, the US Ambassador’s residence. Later on Monday, the president will be given a tour of Westminster Abbey and will also meet Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall for tea at Clarence House. In the evening, the Queen will host a state banquet at Buckingham Palace for the president and the First Lady Melania Trump. The Queen will be joined by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The Duchess of Sussex will not attend following the birth of her son Archie, who is less than a month old.
Queen Elizabeth hails the US-UK alliance and references Trump’s Scottish heritage in her welcome remarks.
“Visits by American President always remind us of the close and long standing friendship between the United Kingdom and United States,” the Queen said, adding she was “ glad that we have another opportunity to demonstrate the immense importance that both our countries attach to our relationship”.
She also spoke of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, noting “ On that day and many occasions since, the armed forces of both our countries fought side by side to defend our cherished values of liberty and democracy.”
The Queen said “ the anniversary reminds us of all that our countries have achieved together.”
Citing Trump’s Scottish ancestry, the Queen reminded the President that he too has a “particular connection to this country. Mr President, as we look to the future, I’m confident that our common values and shared interests will continue to unite us. Tonight, we celebrate an alliance that has helped to ensure the safety and prosperity of both our peoples for decades, and which I believe will endure for many years to come.”
President Trump hailed Queen Elizabeth II as a “great, great woman” during a toast from Buckingham Palace. Hailing her work as a mechanic during World War II, Trump cast the monarch as a symbol of British strength and endurance.
“ As we honour our shared victory and heritage, we affirm the common values that will unite us long into future: freedom, sovereignty, self-determination, the rule of law and reference for the rights given to us by almighty god. From the second world war to today, her Majesty has stood as a constant symbol of these priceless traditions. She has embodied the split of dignity, duty, and patriotism that beats proudly in every British heart. ”