US President Donald Trump has arrived at Buckingham Palace as he marks the start of his three-day state visit to the UK.
Trump was greeted by the Queen on the West Terrace of Buckingham Palace, her official London residence.
Prince Charles and his wife Camilla were the first members of the royal family to meet Trump as he left his official helicopter, which landed in the grounds of the palace.
The American national anthem was played as the royal party and their guests stepped from the palace, and Trump was invited to inspect the guard of honour.
Observers were keen to analyse the moment after commentators suggested the Queen’s choice of fashion accessories had previously revealed her true opinion of Trump.
Ahead of an inspection of the Guard of Honour, Trump’s daughter Ivanka was spotted peering from the balcony of the White Drawing Room overlooking the garden, alongside her husband – the president’s adviser Jared Kushner.
US national security advisor John Bolton and press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders were also seen in attendance.
Among the soldiers, who when not performing ceremonial duties are fighting servicemen, was Guardsman Joshua Young-Hastings from Wandsworth, south London.
He was the tallest soldier in the guard of honour and played American Football for the London Warriors before joining the Army.
The guardsman was scouted for a professional career with America’s National Football League and was awarded a half scholarship with a Texas university but chose the Grenadier Guards over a sporting career.
A series of gun salutes will take place in Green Park, just metres from the Palace, and the Tower of London, around 2.8 miles to the east.
Eighty-two rounds will be fired in Green Park, equal amounts for both Trump’s visit and the anniversary of the Queen’s 1953 coronation. While 103 rounds will be fired at the Tower.
The Trumps and senior royals then observed a Guard of Honour which will give a royal salute before the American National Anthem was played.
The president, accompanied by Charles, inspected the guard before the British national anthem was played.
After a private lunch, the Queen led Trump into the palace’s picture gallery to view an exhibition of American artefacts and other items from the Royal Collection.
With the US leader’s Scottish heritage, a bolt of Harris tweed was pointed out to him and the monarch rubbed her fingers to indicate its soft texture.
Later, accompanied by Prince Andrew, the Trumps will visit Westminster Abbey for a tour, and the president will lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.
