AYLESBURY, England (AP) — After a day filled with royal pomp and pageantry, President Donald Trump met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, the final day of the U.S. leader’s state visit to Britain.
The two leaders said they would ink a major deal on tech investment. They are also expected to discuss steel tariffs and potentially tricky topics including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
On Wednesday, the president and first lady Melania Trump were feted by and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle with gold-trimmed carriages, scarlet-clad soldiers, artillery salutes and a lavish banquet in a grand hall.
No U.S. president, or any other world leader, has ever had the honor of a .
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Starmer and Trump talk up US-UK special relationship
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is touting the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the U.S. at the start of a business roundtable attended by tech bosses including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.
Starmer said the ties come down to leaders who respect each other and genuinely like each other, leaning over and patting Trump on the shoulder as he addressed reporters.
Starmer added that the deals and investments that they are announcing break all records. He called it “the biggest investment package of its kind in British history by a country mile.â€
Trump echoed his comments, saying the U.K. and U.S. have an “unbreakable bond.â€
The president said the countries’ “historic agreement on science and technology partnerships will create new government, academic work and private sector cooperation in areas such as AI, which is taking over the world.â€
Melania Trump marvels at miniature books and meets with children
The first lady set off on her own itinerary Thursday to view Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and a display of miniature books at the Royal Library.
Accompanied by Queen Camilla, Melania Trump looked at teeny volumes including “Winnie the Pooh†and Arthur Conan Doyle’s “How Watson Learned the Trick.â€
“That’s incredible,†the first lady said while she admired the work on the miniature books. “That’s beautiful.â€
The two also met with a half-dozen children at the library who were writing and drawing pictures.
“This is beautiful,†Melania Trump remarked to one child, who was drawing an animal. “Is that a fox?â€
Trump arrives at Starmer's country retreat for talks
The U.S. president’s helicopter has touched down on the lawn of the prime minister’s estate, in the countryside northwest of London.
Trump then got into his motorcade for a short ride to the house. He waved at reporters waiting outside as he drove by.
The leaders will discussion trade and geopolitical issues in bilateral talks, and a news conference is planned for later Thursday.
The royals bid farewell to Trump
King Charles and Queen Camilla have goodbye to the president, who is heading to Chequers, the prime minister’s country estate.
After saying a private goodbye to the king and queen inside Windsor Castle, Trump walked outside with Charles.
They spoke for a few minutes and Trump touched Charles lightly on the arm. They shook hands, and Trump clasped his other hand on top of the king’s.
Trump then turned to reporters and called Charles, “a great gentleman, and a great king.â€
They shook hands again, and Trump walked to his presidential limousine, climbed in and was driven away.
Melania Trump will visit historic doll's house with Queen Camilla
The Trumps are formally bidding their farewells at Windsor Castle, but the first lady will get a chance to spend a little more time with Queen Camilla.
The two plan to tour Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, built a century ago for a consort of King George V. The Windsor Castle attraction is described as the largest and most famous dolls’ house in the world.
After their visit to the doll house, they are expected to head to the Royal Library to meet with local school children.
Following the Royal Library visit, Trump will be joined by Kate, the princess of Wales, for a tour of Frogmore Gardens where they will meet with a group of 4-to 6-year-old Squirrel Scouts.
Starmer will give the Trumps homemade treats — and a scarf laden with symbolism
No state visit is complete without gifts.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s offerings to U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife include a taste of the English countryside and a touch of silk diplomacy.
Starmer will be giving the Trumps a picnic basket with homemade jams made from strawberries and raspberries grown on the grounds of his country retreat and shortbread created by the estate’s chef.
The first lady will be given a colorful silk scarf based on art created by Ukrainian children as a tribute to her effort to draw attention to their plight.
Melania Trump wrote a letter her husband hand delivered to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting in Alaska last month, urging him to consider the children as the leaders discussed a peace plan with Ukraine.
Starmer has led European efforts to end the conflict and has tried to cajole Trump into being a stronger supporter of Ukraine.
The prime minister is giving Trump a custom-made red box that is typically given to government ministers and filled with official papers. The box with the presidential seal and title on it symbolizes the special relationship between the two countries.
Day 2 turns from pageantry to politics
The final day of U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visit to the U.K. turns from pomp and pageantry to politics and policy as he meets British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Trump and first lady Melania are due to bid farewell to King Charles III at Windsor Castle and then fly by helicopter to Chequers, the prime minister’s country retreat where the agenda will include a heavy dose of tech investment talk.
The leaders are expected to sign a “tech prosperity deal†bringing jobs and investment in AI and nuclear energy. Starmer faces potentially awkward discussions on Ukraine and the Middle East, amid domestic political challenges.
State banquet honoring Trump features a bounty of royal finery
Beefeaters in traditional red uniforms and ruff collars lined the entrance to St. George’s Hall at Windsor Castle on Wednesday night as Britain brought out its royal finery for the state banquet honoring U.S. President Donald Trump.
Inside, the grand Waterloo table was set with 1,462 pieces of silver that sparkles in the light from 139 candles. Seasonal flower arrangements, handpicked from the castle grounds only hours before, made the hall smell like an autumnal garden.
About 100 staff members are on hand to serve 160 guests, who include tech leaders, athletes and Britain’s top political leaders.
Each place has several glasses so the guests can sample a variety of wines. The wine list includes Wiston Estate Cuvee 2016, Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2000, Pol Roger Extra Cuvee de Reserve 1998, and Domaine Bonneau de Martray Corton-Charlemagne grand cru 2018.
