Trump basks in royal spotlight with King Charles in Windsor during ceremonial carriage ride

WINDSOR, ENGLAND: Donald Trump’s second state visit to Britain began with pomp but quickly drew ridicule after his royal carriage procession at Windsor Castle was held behind closed gates.

The US president, joined by first lady Melania Trump, was formally welcomed by Prince William, Princess Kate, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla.

Traditionally, such carriage rides offer the public a rare glimpse of visiting dignitaries. But this time, security concerns meant that the cast-iron gates of Windsor were locked, and the route was lined only with members of the Armed Forces instead of cheering residents.

Donald Trump’s private Windsor carriage ride draws mockery and debate

The decision turned what should have been a public display of royal pageantry into a private performance, prompting some observers to call it “embarrassing” and “Monty-Pythonesque."

Journalist Alex Taylor compared the spectacle to a surreal parody, writing on X: “I honestly find this one plain weird, all totally cut off from reality, no flag-waving actual people—and what with the rain (Macron had Windsor High St AND sun!)—it’s all a bit Monty-Pythonesque.”

Richard Eden, diary editor at the Daily Mail, was even harsher, calling the closed procession “embarrassing” and likening it to a “fairground ride to entertain the US President.” He emphasized that the very purpose of a royal carriage procession is public visibility, which was lost with arrangement.

Despite the closed gates, both Trump loyalists and opponents gathered outside Windsor in hopes of catching a glimpse of the president. Jonas Viereck, a self-described Trump superfan who traveled from Germany, defended the decision to keep the ride private. 

“Yes, I would have loved to see it,” he said, “but then again it's a huge security risk to have him in a horse-drawn carriage so I understand why they did it behind closed doors. I've come here to cover Donald Trump's state visit. I love him. I've been a great fan of him ever since I was 12 years old. I'm trying to get a picture with him so any time he comes to Europe I come as well in hopes of getting his attention.”

Damian Boyle of Buckinghamshire traveled to Windsor carrying a sign supporting California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has frequently needled Trump on social media. Boyle told Newsweek: “He's just a despicable human being in every sense of the word and I think it's clear as day. And I strive to be as good a person as possible and that seems to be basically just doing whatever Trump doesn't do.”

Trump receives regal welcome with carriage procession at Windsor castle

President Donald Trump was honored with a grand royal welcome at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, September 17, where he joined King Charles III in a historic carriage procession to mark the beginning of his state visit to the United Kingdom.

The president and King Charles shared the gilded Irish State Coach, a carriage steeped in history and most famously used at Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding. The ornate vehicle, typically reserved for the State Opening of Parliament, underscored the symbolic weight of the occasion.

Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrived by Marine One in the early afternoon, greeted by King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Kate.

The formal welcome began with a royal salute from more than 1,000 UK service members before the group departed in horse-drawn carriages for a ceremonial procession. The first lady, wearing a bold maroon wide-brimmed hat, accompanied Queen Camilla in a second carriage as crowds gathered along the route to watch the spectacle.