King Charles tells Donald Trump to 'watch the sword' and gives him a cheeky nudge during Guard of Honour at Windsor Castle.
A jovial King Charles exchanged a joke with Donald Trump as they inspected a Guard of Honour at Windsor Castle today.
The US president clearly relished the ceremonial welcome and repeatedly thanked his hosts, at one point telling Lt Col Green: 'Thank you, thank you so much.'
As the soldier raised his blade to his bearskin to signal the end of the inspection, King Charles told Mr Trump to 'watch the sword!' - prompting them both to laugh.
The King joined the Queen, Prince William and Princess Katherine to welcome Donald Trump and his wife Melania to Britain for their historic second state visit.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were deployed at the start of the royal charm offensive to greet the Trumps in the Walled Garden on the Windsor estate when the Marine One helicopter arrived - with Mr Trump telling Kate: 'You're beautiful', according to a lip reader.
In one of a number of flourishes being added to the American leader's trip, the helicopter landed on the lawn of the garden nestled in the private Home Park.
William and Kate welcomed the Trumps and walked a short distance with them to meet King Charles III and Queen Camilla outside Victoria House to launch the trip.
The Queen spent yesterday afternoon resting at Windsor Castle, having pulled out of attending the Duchess of Kent's funeral at Westminster Cathedral after suffering from acute sinusitis - but royal aides said she had recovered to greet the Trumps today.
The timings were slightly behind schedule with Mr Trump arriving after the planned time of 11.55am. The King arrived with the Queen in the state Bentley at 12.02pm.
Camilla was photographed wearing a vibrant sapphire blue dress, a matching coat by Fiona Clare and hat by Philip Treacy and a sapphire and diamond brooch. Kate was seen in an Emilia Wickstead dress, a hat by Jane Taylor and a feather brooch.
After a 21-minute wait, the President eventually emerged from his Marine One helicopter with his wife Melania at 12.16pm, with their arrival celebrated with music.
This was played by the Band of the Household Cavalry who were wearing state dress, a uniform designed in the 17th century and made from pure gold thread.
Kate gave Mr Trump a big smile as they shook hands at Windsor Castle. The Trumps and the Waleses then walked side by side, with William and Mr Trump chatting. The President held his wife Melania's hand as they moved towards Victoria House.
William was heard to say, 'This is my father' to Mr Trump as they approached the King, as Charles gestured with a small wave of his hand while stood next to Camilla.
Mr Trump shook hands with the King and the pair chatted enthusiastically together, with the President also placing his hand on Charles's arm as they shook hands.
The Trumps then joined the King and Queen and William and Kate for a carriage procession through the Windsor estate towards the castle.
The King and Mr Trump could be seen chatting as the procession set off. The Queen and the First Lady were in the following carriage, and were also deep in discussion.
The Prince and Princess of Wales followed in the coach behind, and as the carriages proceeded along the route, the American and British national anthems were played.
A decision was made to use the little-known Victoria House in the Royal Kitchen Gardens at Frogmore as the backdrop to the start of the major royal charm offensive.
This offered a personal, family-centred greeting especially for Mr Trump - but also embraced pomp and pageantry and the military theatrics he is known to adore.
There will be no public-facing engagements for the President during his trip, with thousands expected to take part in major protests against his two-day stay.
Tags: Queen, Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince Louis, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Prince Charles, Prince Harry, Meghan, Lilibet
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