Before Donald Trump even touched down in the UK yesterday, signs of opposition were already visible.
Activists and concerned citizens began voicing their disapproval of the US President’s visit, setting the stage for what promises to be a series of demonstrations throughout his stay.
Mass Mobilisation in London and Beyond
On Wednesday, central London is expected to see thousands of protesters taking to the streets.
Demonstrations are also planned across the UK as various groups express their dissatisfaction with Trump’s two-day visit.
In the capital, around 1,600 police officers will be stationed near Westminster to manage a march involving 50 organisations coordinated by the Stop Trump Coalition.
Early Discontent at Windsor Castle
Even before the couple landed, early signs of protest appeared near Windsor Castle, where Donald Trump and Melania were staying.
A small group of demonstrators gathered outside Windsor Parish Church, chanting slogans like “Dump Trump.”
Michelle, 32, a marketing executive who chose not to give her surname, told AFP, “I am beyond disappointed by Britain rolling out the red carpet.
Donald Trump as a person is… fuelling a lot of the far-right protests we’re already seeing here. It’s a humongous problem.”
Her comments came just days after around 150,000 people attended a London rally organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
London Road Closures and Planned Marches
In preparation for the protests in London, authorities have set up road closures to allow demonstrators to march from Parliament Square starting around 2 pm today.
Security measures are tight, and tensions are expected to rise as the day progresses.
Arrests Over Drones and Castle Projections
Yesterday, two 37-year-old men were arrested for flying drones in a temporary exclusion zone near Windsor Castle.
Additionally, four people were taken into custody after projecting images of Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew, and Donald Trump onto the castle’s walls.
On Tuesday evening, a video displayed a series of photos and clips showing Trump with Epstein over the years.
The projection even included a copy of Trump’s book, Trump: The Art of the Comeback, with a note from him to Epstein reading, “To Jeff, you are the greatest.”
Images of Prince Andrew alongside Epstein, who faced multiple sex trafficking charges, were also displayed for local passersby.
Police Respond and Investigate
Chief Superintendent Felicity Parker said, “We take any unauthorised activity around Windsor Castle extremely seriously. Our officers responded swiftly to stop the projection, and four people have been arrested. We are conducting a thorough investigation with our partners into the circumstances surrounding this incident and will provide further updates when possible.”
What’s Next?
As the UK braces for Trump’s visit, protests are set to continue, with organisers and authorities both preparing for further action.
The coming days will likely see heightened demonstrations, road closures, and increased police presence as the nation reacts to the high-profile visit.