Major policing operation in Windsor for 'unprecedented' visit by President Trump

Drones and marine units are part of the comprehensive security operation being prepared in Windsor for the second state visit by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

Queen Elizabeth II welcomed the Republican leader during his first term in office in 2019, and this is the first time the Republican leader will meet King Charles since he became monarch.

Traditionally, second-term US Presidents are not offered another state visit, but Mr Trump was issued an ‘unprecedented’ invitation during discussions with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on a UK-US trade deal in February.

Mr and Mrs Trump accepted the invitation and will be hosted by the King and Queen at Windsor Castle from Wednesday, September 17, to Thursday, September 18.

Residents, businesses and visitors will see a range of visible policing measures deployed across Windsor in the coming days – and several tactics that people won’t see.

Thames Valley Police says it will have resources everywhere across the town, including in the air, on land and on the waterways.

This includes neighbourhood policing teams, armed and unarmed officers, marine units, drone teams and air support.

Thames Valley Police’s Mounted Section – which supports the Changing the Guard – will be on patrol from this weekend and encourages passersby to say ‘hello’ to officers and the horses trained for duty.

Thames Valley Police’s Mounted Section will be on patrol in Windsor from this weekend. Photo credit: Thames Valley Police.

Castle Hill will be closed daily from Tuesday to Thursday between 6am and 11pm to facilitate media filming for the royal event.

RBWM cabinet member for Windsor, Cllr Amy Tisi, said the enhanced security and road closures are a ‘trade off’ for being neighbours to the historic site.

“The security and safety of residents and visitors is of the highest importance during the State Visit of President Trump to Windsor,” she added.

“The council is working closely with Thames Valley Police, the Crown Estate, the Royal Household, and other partners to ensure the visit runs smoothly.

“Residents will notice enhanced security and some road closures in the centre of Windsor, but as locals, we accept this is the trade-off for the privilege of living so close to the historic royal residence of Windsor Castle.

“President Trump is a controversial figure, and while his presence is not welcomed by many, I hope that this visit will pass peacefully, thanks to the careful planning and joint working of all involved.”

Protests are planned to take place against Mr Trump’s visit. The Stop Trump Coalition is widely promoting its campaign against the visit and is planning a demonstration in London on the day Mr Trump arrives.

The group said Windsor ‘will see all sorts of interesting and creative actions over the coming days from a wide range of organisations to show that Trump is not welcome’ – although exact details have not been revealed.

Meanwhile, Windsor and Eton Pride, which held its first Pride event in the town this year, has issued a statement saying the visit ‘feels fundamentally at odds’ with the organisation’s commitment to inclusivity, and it feels ‘unable to celebrate’ the arrival of the 47th president.

“Our town deserves better than to be associated with his legacy of division and villainisation of our communities,” said chairman Steve Harris.

“Pride stands for equality, unity, and love, and our values must be defended loudly and proudly. 

“When leaders empower prejudice, how can communities like ours remain silent?”

Aircraft, including drones, will be prohibited from flying over and around Windsor. Photo credit: Thames Valley Police.

Airspace restrictions will be in place from Tuesday to Thursday – for the state visit and rehearsal – with drones and aircraft prohibited from flying over and around Windsor.

Thames Valley Police’s Drone Unit has been deployed, and support from the National Police Air Service will be active in the area to monitor and enforce the restricted airspace.

Talking about the ‘significant security operation’, Chief Inspector Matthew Wilkinson, of the Thames Valley Police Joint Operations Unit, said: “We will have resources available and tactics deployed to enforce these restrictions and deal with anybody who fails to adhere to them.

“There will be policing drone tactics that the public will see, as well as policing drone tactics that the public won’t see. These are all in place to keep everyone safe.

“If you notice anything suspicious in the air or on the ground, please report this to police.

“We appreciate everyone's cooperation and understanding during this state event.”

A royal gun salute will sound on Wednesday morning, and the President and First Lady will join the King and Queen, and the Prince and Princess of Wales in a carriage procession through the Windsor estate.

Members of the Armed Forces will line the route with military bands from the Royal Marines, the Army and the RAF, as the US and British National Anthems are played.

After lunch in the State Dining Room, the President and Mrs Trump will tour St George’s Chapel and lay a wreath on the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II.

Sir Keir Starmer will join a ceremony concluding with a flypast by UK and US F-35 military jets and the Red Arrows, followed by a State Banquet in the evening.

On Thursday morning, the President will head to a press conference at Chequers and the Queen and First Lady will tour Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and the Royal Library.

Afterwards, the First Lady will join The Princess of Wales at Frogmore Gardens to meet Scouts’ Squirrels members before joining the President.