The UK found itself in the global spotlight after protesters projected images linking Donald Trump with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein onto the walls of Windsor Castle.
The stunt occurred during the US President’s state visit, drawing widespread media attention and sparking criticism of British authorities for failing to prevent the demonstration.
Four individuals were arrested in connection with the projections.
The Projection and Its Message
The projected display featured a series of images, including Donald Trump and Epstein, accompanied by a note in a copy of Trump’s book Art of the Comeback reading: “To Jeff, you are the greatest.”
Images of Prince Andrew with Epstein were also included, highlighting the controversial associations that have attracted public scrutiny for years.
Political campaign group Led By Donkeys appeared to claim responsibility via Instagram, posting a photo of Trump and Epstein with the caption: “Hey Donald, welcome to Windsor Castle.”
The stunt was clearly designed to provoke, drawing attention to allegations of misconduct and the president’s controversial past ties.
International Media Reacts
News outlets worldwide were quick to report on the incident.
Poland’s Fakt remarked that this was hardly a warm welcome for Trump, while Germany’s Bild described it as an unwelcome greeting.
Swiss publication Blick highlighted the immediacy of the protest upon Trump’s arrival, and Greek media outlet Proto Thema reported on the display of Epstein’s victims alongside the images of Trump.
Italian newspapers Corriere Della Sera and La Stampa also covered the story extensively, and the Netherlands’ De Telegraaf described the projections in detail.
In France, BFMTV and Le Parisien noted how the projections disrupted the intended royal reception at Windsor.
Spain’s El Mundo pointed out that the incident occurred despite a heavy police presence and a no-fly zone over the area.
Wider Protests Across London
Trump arrived at London Stansted for his second state visit, expressing that being in Britain “warmed” his heart.
Thousands are expected to take part in demonstrations throughout London and other UK cities, with about 1,600 police officers deployed around Westminster.
The Stop Trump Coalition is coordinating a march involving 50 groups.
At a separate event organized by Republicans Overseas UK in Windsor, two protesters from Fossil Free London disrupted the dinner, chanting anti-fossil fuel slogans and displaying a banner reading: “Oily Money Kills.” They were escorted out without arrests.
Security and Investigation
Windsor Castle is currently hosting Trump because Buckingham Palace is undergoing a £369 million refurbishment scheduled for completion in 2027.
Chief Superintendent Felicity Parker emphasized the seriousness of any unauthorized activity near the royal residence, noting that officers responded swiftly to the projection and a full investigation is underway.
Thames Valley Police also confirmed their response to the incident at the private Windsor event, clarifying that no arrests were made in that case.
Activist Groups and Public Sentiment
Activist group Everyone Hates Elon crowdfunded over £30,000 for a 400 square metre image of Trump with Epstein, intended to disrupt the state visit.
A group spokesperson said: “Trump’s supporters are tearing themselves apart over the Epstein files. Now he’s hoping to escape it all to have tea with the King.
But there’s no way we’re letting him use our country to polish his image.”
The projection stunt has reignited debates over protest rights, security measures during high-profile visits, and the enduring global scrutiny of Trump’s past associations.