US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania are on their way back to the White House, after a truly historic state visit.
King Charles III and Trump both hailed the “special relationship” between the two countries.
Wednesday was all about the glitz and glamour, Thursday was dominated by diplomacy.
A packed itinerary – including a carriage procession, a Red Arrows fly-past and a lavish state banquet at Windsor Castle – filled the first full day of their visit.
On Thursday, it was off to Chequers, as their schedule focused on politics, not pageantry. Talks between the two leaders turned to trade, defence and international conflict – here are five key takeaways.
And away from the pomp, protests against Trump’s visit took place in central London and outside Windsor Castle.
For two days President Trump has been feted and honoured like no other visitor to these shores in recent years.
Whether at Windsor Castle or Chequers, every effort was made by king and government to charm the American leader.
It seemed to work.
The visit ended with only the gentlest of disagreement over differing approaches to Ukraine and Gaza and in the end the sensitive subjects of free speech and Jeffrey Epstein produced no new headlines.
For Prime Minister Keir Starmer the highlight of the visit were promises of US investment.
For President Trump no doubt the highlight was being treated like royalty by the real thing.
BBC
