After a dazzling state banquet at Windsor Castle, Donald Trump made a short helicopter trip to Chequers, the UK Prime Minister’s country retreat in Buckinghamshire, for a day focused on politics and business.
The President was greeted at the estate by Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria, marking the transition from royal pageantry to discussions on UK-US investment and trade.
The Prime Minister is highlighting potential deals worth around £150 billion from American companies such as Blackstone and Palantir, aiming to boost the UK economy.
However, both governments are still navigating the shadow of scandals linked to the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, adding an undercurrent of tension to the visit.
A Royal Send-Off at Windsor Castle
Before departing Windsor, Trump paid a warm farewell to King Charles and Queen Camilla.
The President praised the King as a “great gentleman and great king,” moments captured on the castle’s grand steps.
The Trumps had stayed overnight in a luxurious suite at the castle, enjoying what a royal source described as a “triumph” of hospitality and ceremony.
The morning departure also highlighted subtle moments of diplomacy and charm, with Trump joking about photographs from the previous night and expressing genuine appreciation for the spectacle and warmth of the state visit.
Kate and Melania Team Up for Scouts’ Engagement
While Trump headed to Chequers, First Lady Melania Trump remained in Windsor for a rare joint engagement with the Princess of Wales.
Catherine, 43, invited Melania, 55, to join her for a morning with young Squirrel Scouts—children aged four to five—at Frogmore Gardens on the historic Frogmore Estate.
The Princess and the First Lady helped the children build bug hotels, try leaf printing, and earn their ‘Go Wild’ badges.
Kate organized sandwiches made with honey from her own hives at Anmer Hall, while Melania gifted jars of White House honey to each child.
Chief Scout Dwayne Fields emphasized how inspiring it is for children to see high-profile figures championing outdoor learning and wellbeing.
A Blend of Tradition and Fun
The event with the Scouts provided a lighthearted contrast to the grandeur of the state banquet.
Kate wore a Ralph Lauren skirt and a scarf from Sudbury Mill, connecting her outfit to her recent visit to the Suffolk silk production site.
The activity also paid homage to the Frogmore Estate’s history, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle once lived and held their wedding reception.
The engagement highlighted both women’s shared passion for children and education, showcasing a different, more personal side of the state visit.
Business Leaders Gather at Chequers
Back in Buckinghamshire, Trump and Starmer prepared to host a high-level business reception.
CEOs from some of America’s largest companies, including Tim Cook (Apple), Larry Fink (BlackRock), Sam Altman (OpenAI), Satya Nadella (Microsoft), and Jensen Huang (Nvidia), were expected to attend.
Discussions will focus on investment in technology, AI, and trade.
The event also precedes a press conference, where both leaders may face challenging questions about controversial topics, including Lord Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein, US-UK free speech issues, and international conflicts.
A Delicate Dance for Starmer
The Prime Minister must carefully navigate his interactions with Trump, balancing the promise of significant economic benefits with the potential pitfalls of political controversy.
Analysts likened the situation to handling a “porcupine”—every move must be cautious to avoid missteps.
While the leaders have shown an unexpected camaraderie in past encounters, Starmer is aware of the risks, including media scrutiny over the Epstein scandals and sensitive policy differences, particularly on Israel-Palestine and steel tariffs.
US Investment Promises Boost UK Economy
The state visit has already yielded announcements of £150 billion in potential investment from US companies, creating an estimated 7,600 jobs across the country.
Blackstone, Prologis, and Palantir are among the firms pledging significant capital.
Starmer and Trump are also expected to sign a technology prosperity deal to further strengthen US-UK collaboration in AI and other advanced sectors.
However, questions remain about what concessions the UK may have to make, such as adjustments to digital services taxes.
Highlights from Windsor Banquet
The previous evening’s state banquet at Windsor Castle was a spectacle of royal pomp and diplomacy.
Trump praised King Charles’ commitment to peace and the environment, as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Guests witnessed a mix of royal tradition and modern style, from Kate’s couture gown and tiara to Melania’s contemporary yellow dress.
Trump’s speeches repeatedly highlighted the “priceless” and “eternal” ties between the US and UK, underlining the visit’s dual role as both a diplomatic mission and a ceremonial celebration.
Subtle Diplomacy and Personal Touches
Throughout the visit, Trump displayed moments of charm and diplomacy, from complimenting Kate and Charles to acknowledging the historic significance of his second state visit.
According to royal sources, the Trumps were “very easy to deal with,” appreciating the hospitality and spectacle, which reflects the importance of soft power in international relations.
A Busy Final Day Ahead
Today concludes Trump’s second UK state visit.
After his meetings and press conference at Chequers, he will return to London Stansted to board Air Force One.
Meanwhile, Melania will continue engagements in Windsor, including touring Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and the Royal Library before joining Kate for the Scouts’ program.
The day encapsulates the blend of royal glamour, political negotiations, and human interest moments that have defined this unprecedented state visit.