Thousands of people gathered in central London on Wednesday to protest the state visit of U.S. President Donald Trump, as the president met senior members of the British royal family at Windsor Castle and drew media attention for complimenting the Princess of Wales.
Organisers from the Stop Trump Coalition, a grouping of more than 50 unions, charities and campaign groups, began a march from Portland Place toward Whitehall at about 1500 BST, carrying placards reading "no to racism", "no to Trump" and "stop arming Israel" and smaller versions of the 20ft Trump Baby blimp that was flown during anti-Trump demonstrations in 2019. The Metropolitan Police said more than 1,600 officers had been deployed for the city, including some 500 officers drawn from other forces, and Deputy Assistant Commissioner Louise Puddefoot said it would be "another busy day" for officers.
Demonstrators paused outside Downing Street, which was being protected by officers from Wales and Northern Ireland, before moving on to Parliament Square where a rally included live music and speeches. Singer Billy Bragg performed, and organisers said former Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn, Labour MP Zarah Sultana, comedian Nish Kumar and Green Party leader Zack Polanski were expected to speak. A Stop Trump Coalition spokesperson said the protest aimed to "defeat the politics of Trumpism" and to promote "an alternative, democratic vision of the world based on peace, social justice and international cooperation." Participants interviewed by the BBC voiced a range of grievances, including opposition to Mr. Trump’s immigration policies, climate stance and support for right-wing leaders abroad.
Some demonstrators also gathered in Windsor, where the president met King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla before a state banquet. As he greeted the Princess of Wales and Prince William on the grounds of Windsor Castle, Mr. Trump told Kate Middleton, "You're beautiful, so beautiful," a remark widely reported in the media. The two couples then entered the castle; the royal party and the first family were noted to be wearing jewel-toned outfits.
The Stop Trump Coalition includes climate campaigners, anti-racism groups and pro-Palestine organisations. Speakers at the rally appealed to a range of causes: Reverend Poppy Hughes said she attended because of religious teachings of "peace and compassion," while climate campaigners described the invitation to Mr. Trump as "appalling" and tied it to concerns about a post-Brexit trade deal. One protester, who had attended a previous state visit demonstration, said it was important to "make a stand." There were calls from organisers for participants to be considerate to local communities and to minimise disruption.
Police made arrests in connection with separate incidents in Windsor this week. Four men were detained after images of Mr. Trump alongside convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein were projected onto Windsor Castle on Tuesday as the president arrived in the UK. At Windsor on Wednesday, a small crowd voiced both support for and opposition to Mr. Trump; a man wearing a Davy Crockett hat who called Mr. Trump "the greatest president" was met with boos from other onlookers.
Mr. Trump’s visit, which runs Wednesday to Thursday, is the second state visit by a sitting U.S. president to the UK in recent years at the invitation of King Charles III; the first state-style engagements during Mr. Trump’s presidency took place in 2017 and public-facing events in 2019 drew large street protests. British political debate over the invitation has included questions about trade negotiations, human rights and the optics of hosting a polarising foreign leader. Organisers of the London march said their aim was to send a message that Mr. Trump was not welcome, while government officials and royal hosts proceeded with formal ceremonial parts of the visit.
Security measures for the visit included substantial police deployments and route protections for official venues. Metropolitan Police stated it had been in close contact with organisers ahead of the demonstration and reiterated requests for lawful and peaceful protest. The state visit will proceed as scheduled, with further events and engagements planned in London and Windsor on Thursday.