Military pomp and protests greet Trump on state visit

DONALD TRUMP was treated to an unprecedented display of military pomp and pageantry as his historic second state visit began with a spectacular ceremonial welcome.

- TONY JONES and LAURA ELSTON

The US president and First Lady Melania Trump also received a personal, family-centred greeting from the King and his immediate family - with Mr Trump in turn complimenting the Princess of Wales.

Around 1,500 troops in total are involved in the ceremonial events throughout the day - almost double those on duty for the recent state visit of France's President Emmanuel Macron.

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.

Mr Trump appeared at ease and respectful of his hosts and is unlikely to be the first American impressed by the history, splendour and atmosphere of Windsor Castle, continuously occupied for almost 1,000 years.

William and Kate were deployed at the start of the royal charm offensive to greet the Trumps who arrived in the Marine One helicopter at Victoria House, a little-known property nestled in the Royal Kitchen Gardens at Frogmore on the private Windsor estate.

Mr Trump first shook hands with the prince and when the princess did the same she gave him a broad smile as the US leader appeared to tell her: "You're so beautiful, so beautiful."