President Trump was treated to what’s known in England as a “Beating Retreat” ceremony Wednesday while visiting with King Charles III and Queen Camila in Windsor, outside London.
A Beating Retreat is a military spectacle and ceremony that originated in the early years of organized warfare and symbolizes the end of the day, when camp gates were closed and ceremonial flags were lowered, according to the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense.
It dates back to the 17th century.
The ministry said it’s the first time a Beating Retreat has been performed for a state visit. There are 200 musicians involved in the ceremony of music and marching.
After the ceremony, the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force display team, flew overhead, leaving trails of red, white and blue smoke over Windsor Castle.
The president and first lady arrived in England on Tuesday and have a packed schedule of events. Earlier Wednesday, the first family participated in a castle arrival ceremony where they were greeted by members of the royal family, including Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales.
They then had lunch, and the president and the king spent time in the green drawing room and the library at the castle. The group exchanged gifts, including a replica of a President Eisenhower sword to the royal family, as a reminder “the historical partnership” between the U.S. and U.K. that led to winning World War II. A flower brooch was also given to Queen Camilla.
The royals gave Mr. Trump a hand-bound leather volume to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, along with the Union Flag that flew above Buckingham Palace on the day of Mr. Trump’s inauguration in January. First lady Melania Trump was gifted a silver and enamel bowl and a handbag.
Mr. and Mrs. Trump were also given a frame engraved with the royal highnesses’ joint cypher, according to reports.
They then headed to St. George’s Chapel to lay a wreath at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II. Mr. Trump had met the late queen when she hosted him during his first state visit in 2019.
Later Wednesday, they were to participate in a state banquet, where Mr. Trump will reportedly meet with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Mr. Starmer and Mr. Trump are expected to meet again Thursday at Chequers Estate, the prime minister’s country residence.
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• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.
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