PresidentDonald Trumpis making hisfirst-ever state visit to the U.K. next week, and the trip across the pond will be full of royal pageantry, D-Day commemorations — and protests.
In addition to marking the 75th anniversary of the historic Normandy landing, Trump will meet with members of the royal family, includingQueen Elizabeth, as well as the Prime MinisterTheresa Mayto celebrate the U.S. alliance with the U.K.
He will also visit France and Ireland during his four-day tour of Europe.
Here is what we know about the trip.
1. Where Is He Going and for How Long?
Trump arrives in the U.K. on Monday and will be there for a three-day visit. During his stay, he will travel to London and Portsmouth in England, and then on Wednesdayhe reportedly headsto the Shannon Airport and Doonbeg Hotel in Ireland.
In England, he will attend a mix of ceremonial events marking his visit as well as political engagements, including a bilateral meeting with May, the departing prime minister. He will likewise meet with Ireland’s leader, Leo Varadkar.
On Thursday, he will go to France for another round of D-Day commemorations and meetings, including with President Emmanuel Macron.
2. Who Will Come with Him?
Speaking with reporters on Thursday, ahead of the state visit, administration officials declined to confirm who from Trump’s family might join him in the U.K. or why they might travel with him.
The White House did not respond to PEOPLE’s questions on the matter.
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3. Will There Be Protests?
Yes. For example, demonstrators reportedly plan to take over Trafalgar Square in central London.
“This is about sending a strong message that people in the U.K. don’t accept the divisive right-wing policies that Trump stands for, and that inviting him for a state visit is totally inappropriate,” the Stop Trump Coalitionsaid in a statement.
Trump toldThe Sunlast year that while he loves the city of London, the protests and balloon “didn’t make him feel welcome.”
4. Why Is He Going Now?
The timing for President Trump’s first state visit to the U.K. is officially due to the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the day when Allied forces invaded northern France in Normandy during World War II.
“There is no better time to have a state visit to the United Kingdom than the 75th anniversary of D-Day,” a senior administration official told reporters on Thursday. “It’s also very special to be able to commemorate the events of D-Day on both sides of the English Channel, in Portsmouth and then in Caen, in Normandy.”
However, Trump’s state visit has been conspicuously delayed throughout his presidency.
But Trump’s official state trip was repeatedly delayed, withspeculation that it was due toworries over the protests he might face. Amongother controversies in his relationshipwith Britain, Trump sparked backlash in June 2017 after he attacked London’s mayor in the wake of a terror attack there.
In Julyhe met with the Queen Elizabethat Windsor Castle amid the expected protests about his working trip. A “Stop Trump March” in London drew tens of thousands of people.
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5. What About the Royals?
The White House said that during next week’s trip, Trump will be greeted with a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival on Monday before having lunch with the Queen and partaking in an extravagant white-tie state banquet at Buckingham Palace.
The president and first lady will be taken on a tour of the Royal Collection, with items celebrating the U.K.’s history and special relationship with the U.S.
On Tuesday, he will meet with Prime Minister May at St. James Palace over breakfast, with dinner being held later that day at the Winfield House.
A news conference will be held later that day alongside May.
President Trump will join the Queen andPrince Charlesat the Southsea Common in Portsmouth in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Trump will then travel to Ireland and meet with Varadkar.
While there they will stay at Trump’s hotel and golf resort in Ireland, then head to France the following day.
Speaking with reporters, an administration official declined to say whether the president might golf — a favorite activity — while at his Ireland resort.
source: people.com
