Hands-on Trump turns charmer as royals lay on a lavish Windsor welcome

DONALD Trump was treated to a very British welcome as he arrived at Windsor Castle for the start of his two-day UK state visit.

- By Emily Ferguson Royal Editor

The royal red carpet was rolled out for the US president and first lady, with a carriage procession through the private Windsor estate, an unprecedented military ceremony, a Red Arrows flypast and an opportunity to lay a wreath on the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth.

Mr Trump, 79, and wife Melania, 55, made a grand entrance yesterday as the president’s Marine One helicopter landed on the lawn of the Walled Garden just after noon.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, who had been waiting at nearby Victoria House, braced against the downwash from the propellers as they walked across the grass to greet them.

Prince William, 43, welcomed Mr Trump with a handshake and the president patted the heir to the throne affectionately on his right arm and said: “Hello, my friend. How are you?”

Kate, also 43, who was wearing a maroon Emilia Wickstead dress, a Jane Taylor hat and a feather brooch, greeted Mr Trump with a handshake and a beaming smile. He told her: “You're so beautiful, so beautiful.”

William and Kate escorted the couple, who walked hand-in-hand, to Victoria House, where King Charles and Queen Camilla were waiting on the gravel pathway.

Built in 1844 during Queen Victoria’s reign, the house is not typically used for royal engagements. But it is just one of the changes to the traditional format of a state visit — due to it being Mr Trump’s second.

William said: “This is my father,” as they approached the 76-year-old monarch.