Why Didn’t Kate And William Greet Trump At Buckingham Palace When He Arrived?
Donald Trump has just began his official visit of the UK and was welcomed by Prince Charles, Camilla and the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Noticeably absent were Kate Middleton and Prince William, making fans wonder where are they?
Donald Trump has touched down in the UK with his wife Melania. The president was greeted by Prince Charles and his wife Camilla and, of course, the Queen at Buckingham Palace. He will be in the UK for three days.
Almost every single one of them was dressed to impress, with the Queen wearing a muted jade Stewart Parvin A-line coat and pleated dress in shades of grey, jade and dusky pink with a matching Rachel Trevor-Morgan hat. Melania went for an elegant white dress that fell below-the-knee finished with a navy blue trim and matching hat. Ivanka Trump, Trumps daughter was watching from the balcony of the White Drawing Room overlooking the garden with her husband-the president’s adviser Jared Kushner.
Trump wrote on Twitter as he landed at London’s Stansted Airport this morning: “I look forward to being a great friend to the United Kingdom, and am looking very much forward to my visit.”
The Trumps and the royals then proceeded into the palace, through the Bow Room, where the Queen introduced senior members of her household to her guests. In-turn, the US president did the same with the prominent figures that accompany his on this visit.
When the royal party and their guests stepped from the palace the American national anthem was played and Mr Trump was invited to inspect the guard of honor. Charles was the one with the president as he walked onto the lawns to inspect the waiting troops formed up in two lines with the guardsmen wearing their famous scarlet tunics and bearskins.
A notable absence was Kate and William. Where were the Cambridge couple for the welcoming ceremony? Why weren’t they here to greet the president?
They live nearby, with Kensington Palace being very close to Buckingham Palace, yet still not being at the welcome ceremony. They are invited to the state dinner at Buckingham Palace which will be held today and has a guest list of around 170 guests for the banquet.
The lavish dinner of course has a dress code, with the men wearing white tie coats with tails, while the women go in evening gowns. Prince Harry has a engagement with the President as well, sitting down for tea with him later today, while Meghan Markle will remain in Frogmore Cottage as she is still on maternity leave.
The state banquet will take place this evening in Buckingham Palace’s ballroom, where the horseshoe-shaped tables will be laid with the finest china and cutlery. The Queen is hosting the banquet, with her and the President both being expected to give a speech before the food is served.
Her Majesty will do her routine checkup of the table, seeing that everything is according to her specifications before the banquet begins.
For the rest of the day the President will visit Westminster Abbey with the Duke of York and attend tea at Clarence House with the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry.
Tuesday will see Mr Trump attend a business breakfast with Prime Minister Theresa May and UK and US business leaders.
The president will then visit Downing Street and hold talks with Mrs May, before the two leaders hold a joint press conference.