King Charles and US President Donald Trump were spotted sharing a private joke today, according to reports. The US President was treated to an unprecedented display of military pomp and pageantry as his historic second state visit began with a spectacular ceremonial welcome.
The day featured a carriage procession through the grounds of Windsor Castle, accompanied by a sovereign’s escort of 80 mounted soldiers – similar to scenes from Trooping the Colour – and a 120-strong guard of honour, the largest staged for a state visit in living memory. After his ceremonial welcome, Mr Trump and his wife, Melania, headed to Windsor Castle’s quadrangle, which has staged welcomes for leaders from across the globe, the president inspected a Guard of Honour and, following protocol, strode in front of the King, accompanied by the captain of the guard, Lieutenant Colonel Storm Green, with Charles a few steps behind.
The US leader stopped to speak to some of the guardsmen on parade from three of the British Army’s most prestigious regiments – Coldstream, Scots and Grenadier Guards – and was overheard thanking the soldiers who stood to attention.
And there was one moment as the two men inspected the troops when they shared a private joke, according to the Sun.
The outlet claimed that the King looked up at a guard’s sword and warned Mr Trump to “watch the sword” before the two of them erupted in laughter.
It is understood that it was that moment when the Guard of Honour captain was preparing to raise his blade to signal the end of the inspection.
Mr Trump even shared a joke with one of the servicemen, with Charles sharing the amusing moment as a few spots of rain fell.
There are no public-facing elements during Mr Trump’s engagements, with security paramount for the 47th US president – who has faced two assassination attempts in just over a year – in the wake of the killing of his ally Charlie Kirk.
A sniper was photographed on one of Windsor Castle’s towers with a sight down part of the almost two-kilometre route the carriage procession followed.
In central London, nearly 5,000 of protesters gathered in Portland Place, near the BBC’s Broadcasting House, to protest against the US leader’s second state visit.