Windsor is preparing for the arrival of US President Donald Trump, who is set to stay overnight at Windsor Castle with King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Wednesday.
It will be Trump’s second visit to the Berkshire town, following his 2018 meeting with the late Queen Elizabeth II. That occasion, however, was a brief tea and not the full state visit he had hoped for. This time, the president will receive the full royal treatment, including a state banquet in his honour.
Local Businesses Eye Economic Lift
Behind the pomp and ceremony, Windsor’s cafés, pubs and restaurants are hoping the visit will boost trade, particularly from American tourists.
“We like the Americans because they tip very well,” said Annique van Wingerden, head waitress at Millar’s Eatery, a café near the castle. “They tend to tip more at the start of their trip to England because they’re so used to doing it at home. Bring on the Americans!”
Pubs and the Trump Factor
While it is unlikely that the teetotal president will step into a pub during his stay, some local landlords have still been daydreaming about how they might host him.
Ian, owner of The Sporting King pub, said he would be ready to show Trump his collection of boxing and motor racing memorabilia.
“There’s some Tyson Fury and a lot of F1 drivers’ helmets. I know he likes Nascar, so if he wanted to come, he’d be welcome,” Ian joked.
Global Spotlight on Windsor
Trump’s visit is expected to draw more than 150 US reporters and news outlets, bringing international attention to Windsor. For many American tourists already in town, the timing is coincidental but memorable.
Miriam and Taylor Prell, visitors from California, said they were not Trump supporters but respected the importance of the trip.
“We just want to get out there and meet people and learn,” Miriam said. “I would like our president and anyone else visiting to have the same attitude.”
Taylor added that he hoped Trump would “see a different culture, appreciate the differences and be open to working with Europe and other countries as friends and allies.”
State Ceremonies Planned
On 17 September, the first full day of the visit, Trump will be welcomed by the Prince and Princess of Wales before being formally received by the King and Queen, with royal salutes at Windsor and the Tower of London.
A flypast by UK and US fighter jets, including the Red Arrows, will mark the occasion. The programme also includes a state lunch, a private moment for Trump to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II, and a short tour of St George’s Chapel.
Long-Term Gains for Windsor
While some locals expect disruption and may avoid the town centre, many believe the publicity will be worth it. High-profile visits, they say, help keep Windsor firmly on the international tourist map.
As one business owner put it, “Any short-term pain from the visit will be more than made up for by the long-term gain.”
