U.S. President Donald Trump is in the United Kingdom for a two-day state visit that aims to show the trans-Atlantic bond remains strong, despite differences over Ukraine, the Middle East and the future of the Western alliance

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are greeted by The Viscount Hood, Lord-in-Waiting, center, right, as they arrive at Stansted Airport near London, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

WINDSOR, England (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump is in the United Kingdom for a two-day state visit that aims to show the trans-Atlantic bond remains strong, despite differences over Ukraine, the Middle East and the future of the Western alliance.

King Charles III is hosting Trump at Windsor Castle where the president will be treated to the best of royal pageantry Wednesday: horse-drawn carriage rides, honor guards, a lavish white-tie banquet and more.

Trump is the first U.S. president and world leader to get invited to a second state visit to the U.K. After his royal welcome, he will hold talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday at Chequers, the British leader’s rural retreat.

Here's the latest:

Carriages and a sumptuous state dinner

Hundreds of soldiers, gardeners and chefs are putting the final touches on their preparations to ensure Trump and first lady Melania Trump get the full royal treatment.

After welcoming the Trumps in a formal ceremony, Charles, Queen Camilla and dozens of soldiers will accompany them on a carriage ride through the Windsor estate.

They will return to the castle for military ceremonies featuring hundreds of troops. Trump will be invited to review the guard of honor in scarlet tunics and tall bearskin hats.

The highlight of the visit will be a state banquet later Wednesday at Windsor Castle, where Charles and other royals will join their guests around the massive Waterloo Table.

The mahogany table, which has space for 160 guests, will be laid with the Grand Service — a silver-gilt dining service that includes more than 4,000 pieces ranging from serving dishes to dinner plates and egg cups.

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President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at Stansted Airport near London, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025.(AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Flags and protests in Windsor

The mood in Windsor was largely festive as the town makes last-minute preparations for Trump’s state visit.

American and U.K. flags are fastened to lamp posts with gold tassels, waving over the heads of tourists weaving their way past the security cordon surrounding the 1,000-year-old castle that will be the center of the ceremonies on Wednesday.

Harry Law, 22, traveled from Folkestone on the south coast of England, hoping to get a glimpse of the man he called “Orange Hair.’’

“You don’t get to see a president every day,’’ he said. “I still haven’t seen our prime minister.’’

About two dozen people gathered late Tuesday near Windsor Castle to protest the visit, chanting “Dump Trump” and “Trump go home.” A larger protest against Trump is planned for Wednesday in central London.

Nvidia, OpenAI bosses are part of US delegation

Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are expected to be among the business leaders in the U.S. delegation.

Media reports suggest that Nvidea and OpenAI will unveil billions of dollars’ worth of investment into U.K. data centers this week amid Trump's state visit.

Starmer and Trump are also expected to sign a technology partnership, accompanied by major investments in nuclear energy, life sciences and Artificial Intelligence data centers.

Differences over Ukraine and Gaza

While Starmer has shown he is adept at charming Trump, his efforts to influence the president to maintain U.S. support for Ukraine has had with limited results.

Last week’s Russian drone incursion into NATO member Poland drew strong condemnation from European NATO allies, and pledges of more planes and troops for the bloc’s eastern flank. Trump played down the incident’s severity, musing that it “ could have been a mistake. ”

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Royal and President Donald Trump themed merchandising products stand in a shop window in Windsor, England, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025.(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Starmer also departs from Trump over Israel’s war in Gaza. He has said the U.K. will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations later this month.

Trade talks to feature during visit

On Tuesday Trump told reporters that U.K. officials want to continue trade negotiations during his visit.

“They’d like to see if they can get a little bit better deal, so we’ll talk to them,” he said.

Starmer’s government is keen to secure favorable trade terms with the U.S., the U.K.’s largest single economic partner, accounting for 18% of total British trade.

A May trade agreement reduces U.S. tariffs on Britain’s key auto and aerospace industries. But a final deal has not been reached over other sectors, including pharmaceuticals, steel and aluminum.

An armed police officer stands guard at the entrance to Windsor Castle ahead of the arrival of President Donald Trump in Windsor, England, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025.(AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Police officers patrol in Windsor, England, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025 ahead of the arrival of President Donald Trump.(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)