Trump relishes the glow of a British royal spectacle

President Donald Trump relished the glow of a British royal spectacle on Wednesday, greeted at Windsor Castle on his state visit by King Charles Ill, military honour guards and mounted troops before paying a private tribute at Queen Elizabeth II's tomb.

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Joined by first lady Melania Trump at St. George’s Chapel on the castle grounds, the president placed a wreath in honour of Elizabeth, who died in 2022.

Later, he sat with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, chief of staff Susie Wiles and other American officials for a musical performance from the chapel choir.

Trump's visit began with Prince William and his wife, Kate, meeting the presidential helicopter in the private Walled Garden on the vast Windsor estate, then walking the Trump over to be greeted by Charles and Queen Camilla.

The castle is an almost 1,000-year-old royal residence of gilded interiors, crenelated towers and priceless artworks. A gigantic royal standard - the flag used for official celebration days - flew from the Royal Tower for the occasion.

The guests travelled to the castle in a procession of horse-drawn carriages, past ranks of soldiers, sailors and aviators. The king and the Republican president chatted in the Irish State Coach during the short journey to the castle quadrangle, where Trump, accompanied by Charles, inspected an honour guard of soldiers in red tunics and bearskin hats.