
The Special Relationship between Britain and the United States was reaffirmed last night with moving toasts in the Buckingham Palace ballroom as Donald Trump clinked glasses with the Queen and patted her shoulder having called her a 'great, great woman'.

Amid the splendour and ceremony of a state banquet for 170 dignitaries and guests, the US President thanked the monarch for her 'gracious hospitality' and 'nearly seven decades' of personal friendship with the United States.

He spoke of the Blitz and the bombing of Buckingham Palace, saying that 'in their dark hour the people of this nation showed the world what it means to be British'.

He praised the Queen a 'great, great woman' recalling her service on the Home Front during the war, and said 'the bond between our nations was forever sealed in that great crusade'.

He said the Queen embodied 'the spirit of dignity, duty, and patriotism that beats proudly in every British heart'.

Raising his glass the 45th President of the United States said: 'On behalf of all Americans, I offer a toast to the eternal friendship of our people, the vitality of our nations and to the long cherished and truly remarkable reign of Her Majesty, the Queen.'

Shortly before retaking his seat Mr Trump appeared briefly to breach royal protocol by placing his hand on the Queen's back in a gesture of personal thanks. By tradition the Queen should not be touched, but the President's host seemed unperturbed following his warm personal toast.

In her address, the Queen welcomed the Trumps, celebrated the Special Relationship between the UK and the US, and while Brexit was not mentioned she highlighted how the two countries faced 'new challenges of the 21st century'.

Pictured: Donald Trump stands for his country's national anthem as it was played in Buckingham Palace ahead of his address in the ballroom

President Trump's speech touched on D-Day, the Blitz, and the Queen's 70-year reign as he called her a 'great great woman'

Donald Trump and the Queen toast one another at the State Banquet welcoming the US President as the two mark the impending D-Day anniversary

Mr Trump and Her Majesty drank toasts to each other at the banquet, the centre piece of the President's formal state visit

In an apparent breach of royal protocol, the President reached out to pat the Queen on the back as a gesture of thanks

The two heads of state were all smiles following the exchange of warm words about their two nations' history and friendship

More than 170 guests and dignitaries attended the white tie event at which the Queen spoke from the head of the table with the President seated on her right

All eyes in the ballroom of Buckingham Palace turned to the heads of state as they delivered their toasts

Dignitaries including (centre front) Princess Anne and (on her left) Jared Kushner listened in respectful silence

First Lady Melania Trump and the Prince of Wales arrive through the East Gallery for the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace

Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall and Robert 'Woody' Johnson, the United States' Ambassador to the United Kingdom

The Duchess of Cambridge was accompanied by the United States Secretary of the Treasury, Steven Mnuchin through the East Gallery before the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace

The President's daughter, and advisor, Ivanka Trump with Secretary of State for International Trade, Liam Fox

Outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May and third in line to the throne Prince William file through the East Gallery ahead of the State Banquet

Princess Royal, Princess Anne, listens to Ivanka Trump's husband Jared Kushner, who also acts as an adviser to President Trump

Counselor to the US President, Kellyanne Conway was paired with the Duke of Kent for the glittering bash

Rising from her seat at the head of the vast horseshoe-shaped table, Her Majesty spoke of the D-Day landings, which took place 75 years ago on Thursday, and which the President will commemorate with visits to Portsmouth and Normandy.

Her Majesty said: 'On that day and on many occasions since, the armed forces of both our countries fought side by side to defend our cherished values of freedom and democracy.'

She added: 'We owe an immeasurable debt to the British, American and Allied soldiers who began the liberation of Europe on the 6th of June in 1944.'

She went on: 'As we face the new challenges of the 21st century the anniversary of D Day remind us of all our countries have achieved together.'

Mr Trump looked thoughtful and attentive as Her Majesty said that international institutions, created in part by UK/US co-operation, were designed to protect a 'hard won peace'.

The Queen also mentioned the US and UK's 'strong cultural links and shared heritage' and said the two nations were 'bound by the strength and breadth of our economic ties'.

She concluded: 'Mr President, as we look to the future, I am confident that our common values and shared interests will continue to unite us.

'Tonight we celebrate an alliance that has helped to ensure the safety and prosperity of both our peoples for decades, and which I believe will endure for many years to come.'

The Queen finished by inviting the room to raise a toast to the 'continued friendship between our two nations, and to the health, prosperity and happiness of the people of the United States'

Here Trump is pictured with the ladies of the evening, his daughter Ivanka, right, Tiffany, left, and daughter-in-law Lara Trump, far left, as his children documented their Buckingham Palace visit on Instagram

All four of Donald Trump 's adult children attended the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on Monday night; L-R: Donald Trump Jr., Lara Trump, Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Tiffany Trump

Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner both dressed to the nines for the regal affair

Eric Trump shared a snap with his wife Lara ahead of the event (left) and Don Jr. smiled in the back of a van as he showed off his tux on the way there (right)

Snap-happy Ivanka has been documenting her trip on Instagram

Protesters will be out in force on the second day of Donald Trump's state visit as he prepares to hold talks with Prime Minister Theresa May.

Thousands of activists are expected in central London as the US president meets Mrs May, although the policing operation will mean they cannot demonstrate outside the entrance to Downing Street.

But while the PM hosts Mr Trump, opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn will be gearing up to address demonstrators 'in solidarity with those he's attacked in America, around the world and in our own country'.

The Labour leader, who refused an invitation to Monday evening's state banquet, is due to be joined by other political parties including members of the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party.

Across the UK, protests in Birmingham, Stoke, Sheffield, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Chester, Leicester, Oxford and Exeter are also planned.

The US leader said on Monday he had only seen 'tremendous crowds of well wishers' and that he expected 'fake news' would be 'working hard' to find protesters.

US President Donald Trump in white tie standing beside Queen Elizabeth II, First Lady Melania Trump, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, centre, poses for a photo with US President Donald Trump, left and first lady Melania Trump ahead of the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in London tonight

The President adjusted his jacket as Her Majesty scanned the room prior to the pair taking their seats at the top table

Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick, left, and Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney, right, also attended

John Bolton, the US National Security Advisor accompanied by the Viscountess Brookeborough; and (R) Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy accompanied by former Tory leader Lord Hague of Richmond

Kilted Environment Secretary Michael Gove was joined by Stephanie Grisham, the White House Communications Director

White House senior aides including Daniel Scavino (Director of Social Media, left in foreground), John Bolton (National Security Advisor, third from left), Stephen Miller (third from right) Sarah Huckabee Sanders (Press Secretary, in red dress) wait for the State Banquet

The Duchess of Cambridge looked regal in a a diamond and pearl tiara and diamond sapphire earrings as she arrived for the banquet

The Duke wore white tie and service medals as he accompanied the Duchess leaving Kensington Palace to attend the banquet

Shortly before 8pm the Presidential helicopter, Marine One, touched down in the ground of Buckingham Palace for the dinner

Pictured: A US Marine helicopter flies over Buckingham Palace as it prepares to land ahead of President Donald Trump's State Banquet in central London this evening

Pictured: Prince Michael of Kent arrives wearing white tie alongside Princess Michael of Kent in a tiara as they are among about 170 guests set to dine with Donald Trump, the First Lady and four of his five children this evening

Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, arrives for Donald Trump's state banquet at Buckingham Palace in central London this evening alongside his wife Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester

Ivanka Trump shared these shots on her Instagram story as she prepared to dine with her father, US President Donald Trump, at Buckingham Palace

Ivanka Trump shared this snap from within the grounds of Buckingham Palace on her Instagram story as she awaited dining with the Royals this evening

As US President Donald Trump prepares to sit down for his State Banquet with the Queen, his daughter Ivanka shared images of the pomp that has greeted the Republican on her Instagram story

The dinner came after an ebullient Donald Trump took to Twitter yesterday afternoon to share his delight at the royal welcome he received yesterday at the beginning of a three day state visit.

'A great, great woman': Trump's toast in full 'Your Majesty, Melania and I are profoundly honoured to be your guests for this historic state visit. 'Thank you for your warm welcome, for this beautiful weather, your gracious hospitality, and Your Majesty's nearly seven decades of treasured friendship with the United States of America. 'This week, we commemorate a mighty endeavour of righteous nations and one of the greatest undertakings in all of history. 'Seventy-five years ago, more than 150,000 allied troops were preparing on this island to parachute into France, storm the beaches of Normandy, and win back our civilisation. 'As Her Majesty remembers, the British people had hoped and prayed and fought for this day for nearly five years. 'When Britain stood alone during the blitz of 1940 and 1941, the Nazi war machine dropped thousands of bombs on this country, and right on this magnificent city. 'Buckingham Palace alone was bombed on 16 separate occasions. In that dark hour, the people of this nation showed the world what it means to be British. 'They cleared wreckage from the streets, displayed the Union Jack from their shattered homes and kept fighting on to victory. They only wanted victory. 'The courage of the United Kingdom's sons and daughters ensured that your destiny would always remain in your own hands. 'Through it all, the royal family was the resolute face of the commonwealth's unwavering solidarity. 'In April 1945, newspapers featured a picture of the Queen Mother visiting the woman's branch of the Army, watching a young woman repair a military truck engine. 'That young mechanic was the future Queen, a great, great woman. 'Her Majesty inspired her compatriots in that fight to support the troops, defend her homeland, and defeat the enemy at all cost. 'We also pay tribute to Prince Philip's distinguished and valiant service in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. 'On D-day, the Queen's beloved father, King George VI delivered a stirring national address. 'That day he said, after nearly five years of toil and suffering, we must renew that crusading impulse on which we entered the war and met its darkest hour. Our fight is against evil and for a world in which goodness and honour may be the foundation of the life of men in every land. 'This evening, we thank God for the brave sons of the United Kingdom and the United States who defeated the Nazis and the Nazi regime and liberated millions from tyranny. 'The bond between our nations was forever sealed in that great crusade. 'As we honour our shared victory and heritage, we affirm the common values that will unite us long into future - freedom, sovereignty, self-determination, the rule of law and reverence for the rights given to us by almighty God. 'From the Second World War to today, Her Majesty has stood as a constant symbol of these priceless traditions. 'She has embodied the spirit of dignity, duty, and patriotism that beats proudly in every British heart. 'On behalf of all Americans, I offer a toast to the eternal friendship of our people, the vitality of our nations and to the long-cherished and truly remarkable reign of Her Majesty, the Queen. Thank you.' Advertisement

An hour before last night's luxurious state banquet at Buckingham Palace, after being greeted in the morning by the Queen and spending the day in royal company the President tweeted that 'the London part of trip is going really well'.

Mr Trump added: 'The Queen and the entire Royal family have been fantastic. The relationship with the United Kingdom is very strong', and he weighed back into the Brexit debate by saying a 'big trade deal' would be possible once the UK 'gets rid of the shackles'.

The President and Melania enjoyed afternoon tea with Prince Charles and Camilla in the afternoon, after the Queen gave him a personal tour of historic artefacts in the royal collection and a bevy of royals turned out to give him an extraordinary welcome.

Mr Trump started his three-day tour to strengthen the special relationship - and commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day on Thursday - with a state banquet in his honour at Buckingham Palace last night.

Shortly before 8pm, the President's helicopter landed outside Buckingham Palace for the lavish state dinner for which palace assistants have spent three days transforming the royal ballroom into a banqueting hall.

Royal guests including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were seen making their way to the palace, with Kate resplendent in a pearl and diamond tiara.

Last night the Trump dynasty including his four adult children, mingled with the royal family at the lavish state banquet in the Buckingham Palace ballroom with its six glittering chandeliers, where the vast white-clothed horse shoe-shaped table had been laden with George IV's silver gilt Grand Service dinner set.

Small white place cards embossed with a golden royal crest and edged in gold were at each setting, to show where the 170 guests were to be seated.

The Queen, who does not have her own place card, sat at the head of the table, with the Prince of Wales on her left and Mr Trump on her right.

Joining Mr Trump and First Lady Melania at the white tie and tiara event were four of Mr Trump's five children - Ivanka Trump, with her husband Jared Kushner, Donald Trump Jr, Eric Trump and his wife Lara, and Tiffany Trump.

Sixteen members of the royal family attended the dinner - the Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and Princess Alexandra.

The Duke of Sussex, who was at the private lunch earlier, was not in attendance, nor was his wife who has temporarily stepped back from royal duties while on maternity leave looking after their four-week-old son Archie..

And Prince Harry entered the Royal Picture Gallery yesterday afternoon with Ivanka Trump but chose to stand at the opposite end of the room to the US President and his wife Melania.

The Duchess of Sussex has previously been strongly critical of Trump on social media, promising to leave the US if he were elected.

Upon being told of her tweets in a recorded interview in advance of the trip, the President responded that he 'didn't know she was nasty'; before later claiming he had not said it.

Prince Charles, who had tea with Mr Trump yesterday afternoon, was seated next to Mrs Trump, while Camilla was on the other side of the president and next to US ambassador Woody Johnson.

William sat between the Prime Minister Theresa May and Mr Johnson's wife Suzanne Ircha, and Kate between US secretary of the treasury Steven Mnuchin and the Lord Mayor of London Peter Estlin.

The president's daughter and adviser Ivanka sat between the Countess of Wessex and International Trade Secretary Liam Fox, while Ivanka's husband Mr Kushner, a senior adviser to Mr Trump, had the Princess Royal on his right and Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England, on his left.

Former US president Barack Obama's state banquet in 2011 was sprinkled with Hollywood stardust, with a guest list including actor Tom Hanks, actress Helena Bonham Carter and director Tim Burton. But Mr Trump's grand occasion was more trade and industry than showbusiness.

Members of the Yeoman of the Guard get into position before the State Banquet for US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania at Buckingham Palace, London, this evening

The State Banquet table in the ballroom of Buckingham Palace has been prepared for tonight's festivities over three days

Priceless ornate candelabras and gilt place settings have been meticulously cleaned and prepared for display

Huge floral arrangements decorate the table at intervals and the place settings are spaced out at precise distances

Over the last 24 hours, Palace Attendants have transformed the Ballroom at Buckingham Palace ahead of the state visit

Around 170 guests will join the Queen and the President for the state banquet tonight at Buckingham Palace

A meal fit for a Queen: The banquet menu - Steamed fillet of halibut with watercress mousse, asparagus spears and chervil sauce. - Saddle of new season Windsor lamb with herb stuffing, spring vegetables, port sauce. - Strawberry sable with lemon verbena cream. - Selection of assorted fresh fruits. - Coffee and petit fours. Wine: - Windsor Great Park 2014 - Chassange-Montrachet 1er Cru 'Morgeot' 2014 - Domaine Duc de Magenta - Monopole Clos de la Chapelle, Louis Jadot - Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1990, 1er Cru Classe, Pauillac - Hambledon Classic Cuvee Rose NV Advertisement

Among business leaders in attendance were the Swedish chairman of AstraZeneca Leif Johansson, BP chairman BP Helge Lund, Balfour Beatty chief executive Leo Quinn, GlaxoSmithKline boss Emma Walmsley, Universal Music Group chairman Sir Lucian Grainge and Royal Dutch Shell chief executive Ben van Beurden, as well as Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick.

Politicians at the event included Mrs May and her husband Philip, Cabinet Office minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster David Lidington, Chancellor Philip Hammond, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt, Mr Fox, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, Leader of the House of Lords Baroness Evans and Europe and Americas minister Sir Alan Duncan.

Twenty three elaborate floral displays of dark pink peonies, lilac stocks and pale pink roses adorned the tables, along with large seven-branch state candelabrum and the elaborate soup tureen which was once used to serve George IV his favourite turtle soup.

Donald Trump dined on a menu of Windsor lamb and strawberry sable.

The First Family were treated to steamed fillet of halibut with watercress mousse, asparagus spears and chervil sauce; followed by saddle of new season Windsor lamb, with herb stuffing, spring vegetables and port sauce.

The menu was chosen from four possible alternatives presented to the Queen by royal chefs.

Preparations in the kitchens of Buckingham Palace begin as close to the event as possible - with every dish handmade from scratch.

Mr Trump is known to have a sweet tooth so likely enjoyed the pudding - strawberry sable with lemon verbena cream - made of crisp biscuits, smooth pastry cream and fresh strawberries.

Prince Charles cracks a joke as he and Camilla hosts a private afternoon tea for the US President and his wife at Clarence House where Mr Trump pledged to raise climate change

US President Donald Trump (right) and his wife Melania (left) at Clarence House in London to take tea with the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall on the first day of his state visit to the UK

US President Donald Trump waves as he leaves Clarence House after a cup of tea with Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall

A smiling Queen welcomes Donald Trump for lunch at Buckingham Palace with other senior royals including her son Charles

Her Majesty gives the US President a big grin and was heard telling his wife Melania how nice it was to see her again

The Queen, President Trump and Melania laugh as Prince Charles and his wife Camilla chat on the Buckingham Palace stairs

President Donald Trump and Prince Charles inspect the Guard of Honour at Buckingham Palace carried out by the Grenadier Guards

The Queen showed President Trump items from the royal collection including a portrait of his predecessor George Washington

Melania smiles as the Queen and Mr Trump discuss her collection of art, literature and other items shown the US President today

Prince Harry attended the lunch but did not enter the room with Mr Trump or his family as they toured the palace. His wife Meghan was at home looking after their son Archie. The President called her 'nasty' after hearing of her criticism of him

The Queen gave Mr Trump and his wife a personal tour of the Buckingham Palace Picture Gallery pointing out artefacts in her possession including some with links to America and items like tartan, beloved of Mr Trump's Scottish mother

The Queen showed the President items in the royal Collection including an early copy of the declaration of independence and a portrait of George Washington

Mr Trump appeared to be really enjoying himself and smiled to the cameras as Her Majesty showed him a collection of photographs from her private collection

Melania Trump and Donald Trump looked engrossed at they viewed displays of US items in the Royal Collection

The President asked questions and showed great interest in the items in the Collection, many of which date from America's days as British colony

Prince Andrew, Duke of York (far left) with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior during their visit to Westminster Abbey

The President and his wife laid a wreath at the grave, which belongs to an unidentified British soldier killed on a European battlefield in the First World War and is a monument to all those who have lost their lives in conflicts

Mr Trump was apparently fascinated by the tour of Westminster Abbey, asking his guide about the cathedral's age and famous graves

A gun salute by the Honourable Artillery Company was fired at Midday to mark the President's arrival in London in the shadow of Tower Bridge

The President tweeted this afternoon that his trip was 'going really well' and that the royal family had been 'fantastic'

The President's packed timetable for the first day of his three-day UK trip 9am: Air Force One lands at Stansted Airport. 9.40am: Mr Trump and Melania flown by helicopter to US Ambassador's residence in Regent's Park: Winfield House. Midday: The President and First Lady arrived at Buckingham Palace where the Queen met them. She held a lunch and gave a tour. Prince Harry was also there - but his wife Meghan stayed at home caring for baby Archie. 3pm: The couple drove to Westminster Abbey where they put down a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior - and enjoyed a tour of the historic church. 4pm: Prince Charles hosted them at Clarence House for a 15-minute tea before the couple headed back to Winfield House. 7.30pm: President Trump and his family will fly back to Buckingham Palace for the state banquet with the event last until around 11pm. Advertisement

Before landing yesterday morning Mr Trump had started a war-of-words with Sadiq Khan calling the London Mayor a 'stone cold loser' having made his views on Brexit, the Tory Leadership battle and his security concerns over Huawei clear as he crossed the Atlantic.

Hundreds of thousands of anti-Trump protesters have pledged to shut down London starting with a rally outside Buckingham Palace last night, although few seemed to turn out.

Yesterday afternoon Mr Trump and his wife had a private meeting with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at their London residence where Trump had pledged to tackle the topic of climate change with the heir to the throne. The Trumps visited Clarence House after placing a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.

The Queen rolled out the red carpet for the arrival of the leader of the free world starting with a private lunch at Buckingham Palace followed by a personal tour of its art collection by the monarch herself.

As Marine One - the President's helicopter - set down on the palace lawn his visibly excited daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner peered from a window above crowds watching from The Mall.

The Prince of Wales took the President to the Queen, who grinned after Mr Trump exchanged an unusual handshake with her as he gripped her fingers - rather than holding the whole of her hand - with some claiming it looked like a casual fist-bump.

A Royal Salute of cannons was also fired in neighbouring Green Park and further away at the Tower of London on the banks of the Thames to celebrate the start of the state visit, the highest honour the Queen can bestow on a visiting world leader.

Mr Trump and his wife Melania landed at Buckingham Palace at lunchtime after flying into Stansted in the morning following an overnight flight in Air Force One from Joint Base Andrews near Washington DC.

Hundreds of thousands of anti-Trump protesters have promised to bring London to a standstill - but they have so far failed to materialise as 20,000 police officers swamped the capital.

Yesterday morning Mr Trump landed in London for his long-awaited state visit and his first act on British soil was to launch a Twitter assault on Sadiq Khan calling the London Mayor 'dumb', 'nasty' and 'a stone cold loser'.

The President hit out at Mr Khan on social media as Air Force One landed saying he has 'done a terrible job as Mayor of London' and 'should focus on crime in London, not me'.

Mr Trump had already weighed in on Brexit, the Tory leadership battle and his security concerns over Huawei as he took off from America and used his arrival in the UK to vent his fury over Mr Khan's description of him as a '21st century fascist'.

He ridiculed 5ft 6in Mr Khan for being 'short' and compared him to 6ft 5in New York counterpart Bill de Blasio saying: 'Khan reminds me very much of our very dumb and incompetent Mayor of NYC, de Blasio - who has also done a terrible job'.

As his jumbo jet came into Stansted, Mr Trump took to social media and said: 'Sadiq Khan, who by all accounts has done a terrible job as Mayor of London, has been foolishly 'nasty' to the visiting President of the United States, by far the most important ally of the United Kingdom. He is a stone cold loser who should focus on crime in London, not me'.

He added: 'Khan reminds me very much of our very dumb and incompetent Mayor of NYC, de Blasio, who has also done a terrible job - only half his height. In any event, I look forward to being a great friend to the United Kingdom, and am looking very much forward to my visit. Landing now'.

US President Donald Trump closes his eyes and First Lady Melania Trump stands in silence after laying a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior

The husband and wife placed the flowers on the grave and lingered as they placed it on the memorial to all solders who made the ultimate sacrifice for their countries

The wreath laid by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior

Mr Trump leaned against his wife and looked moved as the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, gave a prayer and members of the US Armed Forces saluted

This is Mr Trump's second visit to London in the past year - but it is his first state visit to the nation his mother was born in

Melania looked awe-struck as she walked through the choir area of the church towards the altar where England's kings and queens have been crowned for centuries

Duke of York Prince Andrew grins as he shakes Donald Trump's hand in Westminster Abbey. The men are both keen golfers

President Donald Trump signs the visitors book during the visit to Westminster Abbey with First Lady Melania Trump

Mr Trump's message was in his typical short and punchy style and was signed by him and his wife

Mr Trump and his wife were given a tour of the cathedral and were joined by the President's daughter Ivanka and his son-in-law Jared Kushner

Mr Trump is shown the Westminster Abbey altar on a tour of the chuch where he visited Poet's Corner and asked about Lord Byron's grave

The Rev John Hall gave Mr Trump a tour of the cathedral, pointing out graves and important aspects of the 750-year-old church

President Donald Trump is greeted by John Hall, the Dean of Westminster, as he arrives with first lady Melania

Mr Trump and his wife are sped along The Mall in his bomb and bullet-proof car, which has earned the nickname 'The Beast'

Mr Trump's motorcade has been shipped into Britain in the past week in preparation for the visit and is shown here coming towards Westminster

Mr Trump left Buckingham Palace in car, shown here passing the Victoria Memorial, having travelled there on Marine One

After a private lunch at the palace, the Queen led President Trump into the palace's picture gallery to view an exhibition of American artefacts and other items from the Royal Collection.

A bolt of Harris tweed was pointed out to Mr Trump, whose mother was Scottish, him and the monarch rubbed her fingers to indicate its soft texture.

The Queen showed Donald Trump some of her family's golfing memorabilia as she gave the U.S. president and his wife a guide of items of American historical interest from the royal collection at Buckingham Palace.

Along with a copy of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and a mezzotint of George III, the last American monarch, Trump was shown pictures of the queen's father, George VI, and her uncle Edward VIII playing golf in Scotland.

There was also a letter from George VI to his father George V, saying he had beaten his brother.

Trump, who owns two golf Scottish courses, asked questions and smiled as the Queen explained the provenance of items, appearing to take particular interest in the golfing items.

Among other historical artifacts, Elizabeth showed the Trumps a portrait of George Washington, the first president of the United States, and a draft copy of a telegram from George VI to U.S. General Dwight Eisenhower after the D-Day invasion of France.

What happened inside Buckingham Palace and did Harry tackle Trump about climate change? The Queen gave Donald Trump the red carpet treatment at Buckingham Palace and put on a private lunch where climate change may have been on the menu. Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, and his wife Camilla welcomed the Trumps as they walked down the steps of their helicopter. Royal gun salutes were fired from nearby Green Park and from the Tower of London as part of the pageantry accompanying an official state visit, one of the highest honours Britain can bestow on a foreign leader. After meeting the Queen the US national anthem was played and the president inspected the Guard of Honour formed by the Grenadier Guards wearing their traditional bearskin hats. The ceremony took place under clear blue skies on the spacious garden next to the 775-room palace that is the official residence of the Queen, who hosted a private lunch attended by senior royals including Prince Harry - who was there without Meghan. The environment may have been discussed, especially with Harry and his father in the room. Trump has already said he plans to tackle the topic of climate change with Charles. Advertisement

The Queen's official gifts to Mr Trump were a first edition of The Second World War by Winston S Churchill from 1959.

The crimson book features gold tooled decoration on the cover, spine and inner cover, an EIIR cypher in gold on the front, silk endpapers and hand-sewn headbands in colours of the US flag with all pages edged in gilt.

The monarch also gave Mr Trump a three-piece Duofold pen set - a fountain pen, rollerball pen and ball point pen with EIIR cypher - using the obsidian design, exclusively made for the Queen.

Mrs Trump was presented with a specially commissioned silver box with a handcrafted enamel lid.

Its royal blue decoration featured roses, thistles and shamrocks to represent the ceiling of the palace music room.

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have arrived at Westminster Abbey, greeted by the Duke of York.

The President was welcomed by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, who led prayers at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

A wreath was laid in honour of the two World Wars and more recent conflicts, as is tradition with a state visit - President George W Bush laid a wreath in 2003 and President Obama in 2011.

Standing at the grave, the President touched his hand on the wreath and kept his eyes closed during the prayer.

The Dean of Westminster took Mr Trump on a tour of the Abbey, accompanied by Mrs Trump, daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner.

A solemn-looking Mr Trump marvelled at the age of the Abbey - after finding out it was built 1269 and will celebrate 750 years in 2019 - turning to Mrs Trump to relay the message.

They viewed the High Altar, where coronations take place, before moving out of sight to the tombs of Mary Queen of Scots and of Elizabeth I in the Lady Chapel, as well as the graves of Sir Isaac Newton and Professor Stephen Hawking.

He also went to see Poets' Corner. He paused at the white marble slab commemorating the poet Lord Byron and asked what stone the flooring was made from. He also inspected the stone marking the grave of Robert Adam, the Scottish architect.

Donald Trump marvelled at the history of Westminster Abbey after paying tribute to the grave of the Unknown Warrior.

The president and the First Lady knelt and to touch one hand on a wreath laid by two US marines to honour the fallen of the two world wars and recent conflicts.

Mr Trump was accompanied by his wife Melania Trump and Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, for a short service and tour of the Abbey. His daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner were among the larger entourage.

After the tour Dr Hall said: 'He was very friendly. He's very interested, very engaged. Normally heads of state are. This year we're celebrating the 750th anniversary of the current building. He was interested in the age. It was a good conversation.'

A solemn Mr Trump had his eyes closed and arms by his side as the Dean led prayers 'for the people' of the United States and Britain. The Duke of York stood with the president and the First Lady for the service. Dr Hall paid tribute to The Queen and Mr Trump 'symbols and loyalty and unity for their people.'

The choir sang Mendelssohn's Lift Thine Eyes and after a final prayer was given Trump shook the Dean's hand and thanked him.

The president called Westminster Abbey a 'special place' in the Distinguished Visitors' Book, which he signed under the Congressional Medal of Honour in the Abbey's nave.

The message, written in black marker pen, said: 'Thank you so much. This has been a great honor. Special place.' Mr and Mrs Trump both put their signatures underneath.

Donald Trump then joined the Prince of Wales for tea at Clarence House.

Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall greeted Mr Trump and First Lady Melania in the garden as they arrived for afternoon tea at their official residence. Camilla wore a beige and white spotted silk dress by Fiona Clare for the occasion.

The Queen points to items laid out for Mr Trump and his wife - some of the artefacts are hundreds of years old and are linked to the US

The display of US items from the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace including historic books charting the wildlife of North America

Mr Trump also admired some of the artwork on the wall and asked Her Majesty and an adviser questions about them

President Trump and the First Lady sing the American national anthem at the first event of his three-day tour of Britain at invitation of the Queen

President Trump chats with Her Majesty and makes her smile ahead of their private lunch and tour of the palace this afternoon

Mr Trump encourages the Queen to enter the palace before him and Melania ahead of a private lunch and tour

The Queen squinted in the London sun as she spoke to her daughter-in-law Camilla with Melania on her right hand side

Melania and Camilla grab their hats as a gust of wind hits them during today's welcome ceremony but the Queen was unmoved

Melania wore a white dress and hat with navy blue collar and ribbon with matching shoes while the Queen wore a jade coat, dress with matching jewellery

Melania smiles as she speaks to Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, who walked her to meet the Queen

The Queen stands between President Trump and Melania Trump as the US national anthem was played during the ceremonial welcome

Mr Trump is only the third US President to enjoy the pageantry of a State Visit, only offered to Britain's most powerful allies

Above the crowds a team of police spotters and snipers stand on the roof of Buckingham Palace, which Mr Trump will visit twice today

The helicopter carrying President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump lands in the garden of Buckingham Palace for lunch

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fires a 41 Gun Royal Salute marking U.S President Donald Trump's arrival in Green Park

US President Donald Trump inspects an honour guard by the Grenadier Guards during a welcome ceremony at Buckingham Palace

Mr Trump speaks to the soldiers who sweltered in bearskins worn by Britain's Grenadier Guards at all times of the year

Mr Trump's daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner watched from the Palace balcony as the plane came in alongside the wife of US Ambassador Woody Johnson, Suzanne Ircha

Prince Charles decided to wait for the President in the garden and shook his hand warmly as he welcomed him to the royal palace - one of two visits planned today

Prince Charles walked Mr Trump across the grass followed by Melania who was accompanied by Camilla,the Duchess of Cornwall

Mr Trump and his wife walk on to the immaculate Buckingham Palace lawn on a fine summer's day in London today

The helicopter hovers into the garden of Her Majesty's central London palace as royals including Prince Charles watched

Jared Kushner, right, and Ivanka Trump, second right, watch from a window before a ceremonial welcome in the garden of Buckingham Palace. US Ambassador Woody Johnson can we seen on the left in sunglasses with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin (second from far left wearing a red tie)

Yesterday morning in the grounds of Buckingham Palace, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall waited patiently for the president and his wife to disembark from the helicopter before greeting him.

Charles and Camilla escorted the US leader and the First Lady the short distance to the palace's west terrace where the Queen was waiting.

Normally state visits see leading figures from national life including the prime minister and Commissioner of the Met Police introduced to the visiting foreign leader, but it was just the three senior royals taking part in the ceremonial welcome. The booming sounds of a double gun salute in nearby Green Park echoed around the palace grounds.

Soldiers from the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery led 71 horses, pulling six First World War-era 13-pounder field guns, into place, to fire 82 blank artillery rounds at 10-second intervals.

The first 41-gun salute honoured Mr Trump's state visit. The second round of 41 shots were staged to mark the 66th anniversary of the Queen's coronation on Sunday.

The military's celebration of the 1953 coronation was delayed until Monday as gun salutes are never fired on a Sunday.

With a 103-gun salute - 41 for the president and 62 for the coronation anniversary - also staged at the Tower of London, the British Army fired 185 guns in total for the historic double ceremonial salute. The Trump state visit is the 112th of the Queen's reign.

Nervous, Donald? How Trump acted like a 'school boy on his best behaviour' as he reunited with the Queen - but greeted Prince Charles 'like an old friend' Donald Trump acted like a 'school boy on his best behaviour' when he reuinted with the Queen yesterday, having arrived at Buckingham Palace for his first official state visit. Body language expert Robin Kermode said the US president appeared not to want to put a foot wrong, having been widely criticised for walking in front of the Queen, 93, during the inspection of the guard at Windsor Castle on his last visit in July 2018. Mr Trump also appeared to 'fist bump' the monarch as he went in for a handshake, with Her Majesty looking 'genuinely pleased to see him again'. But while he was tentative with the Queen, the president greeted Prince Charles 'like an old friend'. Speaking to FEMAIL, Robin said: 'Mr Trump seems much more on his best behaviour this time than on his previous visit. The US President appeared to 'fist bump' the Queen as he went in for a handshake, with the monarch looking 'genuinely pleased to see him again', according to body language expert Judi James The Queen was all smiles as she greeted Donald Trump this morning on his first official state visit to the UK - though Robin noted that Donald would have been better doing a complete turn to face her rather than being caught in 'this half no where land of a stance' 'In many of the pictures from Windsor Castle, he seemed to want to appear strong and determined, and even in some pictures wanting to take control. This time he appears more like a school boy not wanting to put a foot wrong.' Fellow body language expert Judi James said Trump, 72, was also 'checking his choreography carefully' as he greeted members of the British Royal Family one by one. 'Trump did look more at home on this visit, although the way he and Melania did keep silently mouthing words suggested he was checking his own choreography carefully,' she observed. 'His tendency to host and lead was still evident, with Charles needing to re-usher him with both arms when he tried to steer the prince, albeit with respect.' She added: 'Donald Trump is more inhibited when he's shaking hands with the Queen. He was leaning forward from a distance, with a tentative pawing of her hand. 'The Queen only ever offers her fingertips so he couldn't get a grasp. He probably wasn't touching much more than her fingers.' This time the US president remembered to let the Queen take the lead, holding back as she approached the palace steps In this shot, Robin remarked how Mr Trump is on his 'best behaviour - checking his every step as if on a parade ground about to be shouted at by the Sergeant Major' As they chatted on the palace steps, Robin noted how the Queen held her ground, facing Mr Trump head on, while the president was left with a 'slightly awkward leg position on the half turn'. 'He would have been better doing a complete turn to face her rather than being caught in this half no where land of a stance,' he said. The president looked to be much more comfortable in the presence of the Prince of Wales, 70, greeting Charles 'like an old friend'. Judi observed: 'Trump pulled him in for a close-up handshake with his arm bent so their hands performed judders between their torsos, and even added a pat on the arm to imply high levels of friendship.' Likewise Charles, the consumate diplomat, 'holds his head slightly lowered, giving respect to DT,' Robin points out. 'The prince's left shoulder, arm and hand is drawn away from Trump, showing some signs of formality and being on guard. His smile shows someone in control, in no way over-awed by the larger man.' The president looked to be much more comfortable in the presence of the Prince of Wales, greeting Charles 'like an old friend' Trump pulled him in for a close-up handshake with his arm bent so their hands performed judders between their torsos, and even added a pat on the arm to imply high levels of friendship She went on: 'Trump chatted happily, with his gesticulation suggesting he was dominating the conversation, but with the two men's mirrored walks implying some rapport.' Robin added: 'The president usually tends to stride out slightly in front of other people, but with Charles he checks his pace out of respect. Though he does slip up when he abandons Charles to speak to the guard - who, I'm sure, is not supposed to respond!' The Queen was all smiles as she welcomed the president and First Lady Melania to Buckingham Palace today, which Judi said suggested she was happy to host. 'Although his handshake with the Queen was odd enough to look like a fist bump, the Queen's wide grin made it appear she was genuinely pleased to see him again,' she noted. Trump usually tends to stride out slightly in front of other people, but with Charles he checks his pace out of respect 'Trump chatted happily with his gesticulation suggesting he was dominating the conversation but with the two men's mirrored walks implying some rapport Prince Charles and Donald Trump appeared to have a very animated coversation as they walked towards the palace Trump's tendency to host and lead was still evident; Robin said he slipped up when he abandoned Charles to speak to the guard who is most likely not allowed to respond The Trumps are in the UK for a tour which includes dining with the royal family and commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Yesterday they enjoyed lunch with the Queen and the Duke of Sussex at Buckingham Palace after flying into Stansted airport on Air Force One. The Duchess of Sussex did not attend as she is on maternity leave. They later attended an afternoon tea hosted by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at Clarence House. And in the evening, evening the couple were guests of honour at a state banquet hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace, attended by senior royals including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Robin said Trump 'looks like a school boy on his first day at school, as if in front of the headmistress,' adding that his jaw 'shows signs that this is not as easy as he thought it might be' The Trumps are in the UK for a whirlwind tour which will see them dine with the royal family and commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Pictured: Melania Trump, the Queen, Donald Trump, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall The President saluted armed military guards as the couple stepped off Air Force One at Stansted Airport this morning The President placed an affectionate hand on his wife's arm as they crossed the runway to Marine Force One this morning Advertisement

Crowds outside the palace watched with camera phones held high as Marine One made its way towards the back lawn.

Mr Trump took his time as he inspected the Guard of Honour, formed by Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards. He walked ahead of Charles and strolled alongside Captain of the Guard Hamish Hardy.

The president stopped to chat to a number of the soldiers - who were dressed in red tunics and bearskin hats - at length.

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 honour.

Charles accompanied the president as he strode onto the lawns to inspect the waiting troops formed up in two lines with the guardsmen wearing their famous scarlet tunics and bearskins.

Among the soldiers - who when not performing ceremonial duties are servicemen on active duty - 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.

Jeremy Hunt was waiting for the President at Stansted and revealed Mr Trump talked to him about Sadiq Khan as he got off the plane. The Foreign Secretary said: 'Let's just say he [Mr Khan] won't be getting an invite to the White House any time soon'.

The Trumps stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Queen on the second occasion he has met the monarch in the UK

Mr Trump enjoyed a guard of honour on day one of his visit to Britain, which is coinciding with the 75th anniversary of D-Day

Mr Trump walked ahead of Charles and strolled alongside Captain of the Guard Hamish Hardy

A playful Prince Charles adjusts the uniform of one of the soldiers as an officer introduces Mr Trump to his men and women

The ceremonial welcome for the President took palce today with Prince Charles in the garden of Buckingham Palace

The President and Charles inspect an honour guard by the Grenadier Guards during a welcome ceremony this afternoon

The US President inspects the honour guard at the palace today on the first day of his three-day state visit to Britain

The Queen smiles as Mr Trump speaks to her and his wife Ivanka stands alongside them at Buckingham Palace today

The VIPs line up as the The Star-Spangled Banner plays where Mr Trump and Melania hold their hands to their hearts as the royals listened somberly

Mr Trump's mother was Scottish and he has spoken many times about his admiration for the Queen and Britain

The Queen led Mr Trump and his wife up to the stage for the national anthem as Charles and Camilla chatted with a smile

Camilla spoke at length to the First Lady and both were wearing white, although Melania had blue detailing on her hat and dress

American servicemen and secret service agents watch as Mr Trump walks with Charles as Camilla welcomes Melania

President Donald Trump is greeted by Prince Charles on arrival at Buckingham Palace this afternoon

Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall wait next to Marine One as U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive

Marine One sits in the pristine grounds of Buckingham Palace as Mr Trump prepares to disembark

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fires a 41 Gun Royal Salute marking U.S President Donald Trump's arrival in Green Park

An excited Ivanka Trump - one of the US President's four children to join him on the trip - looks out on the crowds at Buckingham Palace today with her husband Jared, an adviser to the President

Mr Trump's large entourage including his security team watch as the President speaks to British royalty in London today

Huge crowds watched as Marine One jetted across the gates of Green Park into the grounds of Buckingham Palace

The aircraft carrying the President from the US Ambassador's residence landed on the east side of the palace as police on the ground and on the roof watched

Prince Charles was the first royal to welcome Mr Trump, waiting on the palace balcony as Mr Trump came into land in the Queen's giant garden

Part of the President's motorcade armed with sophisticated telecommunications equipment and frequency jammers drives to Buckingham Palace

Crowds wait on The Mall outside Buckingham Palace ahead of Mr Trump's lunch with the Queen and other royals

President Trump's giant motorcade followed the helicopter through central London's roads, closed for Mr Trump's visit

Trump's hot-button issues as he arrives in Britain Brexit Donald Trump called on Britain to leave the European Union without a deal if Brussels refuses to meet its demands, as he urged the Government to send Nigel Farage into the negotiations. In an interview before he flew to Britain, the US President said the UK should quit the EU without an agreement if Brussels refused to meet its demands. He said Britain had to 'get the deal closed' and leave, and even suggested leaving without paying the £39billion divorce bill. 'If they don't get what they want, I would walk away,' he told the Sunday Times. 'If I were them I wouldn't pay $50billion.' Boris Johnson Donald Trump threw a hand grenade into the Tory leadership race by heaping praise on Boris Johnson. The US president said he liked the former Foreign Secretary and thought he would do 'a very good job' as Prime Minister. Although the comments fall short of an official endorsement, it sparked a huge row on the eve of Mr Trump's state visit to the UK. Asked about Mr Johnson and the Tory leadership race, the President said: 'It's something that I find very interesting. 'I actually have studied it very hard. I know the different players. But I think Boris would do a very good job. I think he would be excellent.' He added: 'I like him. I have always liked him. I don't know that he is going to be chosen, but I think he is a very good guy, a very talented person. He has been very positive about me and our country.' Huawei Mr Trump warned Theresa May not to let Chinese mobile giant Huawei have any role in Britain's 5G network in an interview published hours before arriving in the UK. Mr Trump said: 'We work very closely with your country and so you have to be very careful.' The President will ban Huawei from America's next mobile network and is urging allies to do the same. Sadiq Khan Donald Trump today mocked London Mayor Sadiq Khan for being a 'stone cold loser' as the US President arrived in Britain for his three-day state visit. In return the mayor's office immediately fired back, saying Mr Trump was offering 'childish insults which should be beneath the President of the United States'. Mr Trump said Mr Khan had done a 'terrible job', hitting back after the mayor compared the language used by him to that of 'fascists of the 20th century'. A war of words has erupted over the past 24 hours after Mr Khan described Mr Trump as 'just one of the most egregious examples of a growing global threat'. The US President and Mr Khan have repeatedly clashed in recent years, including Mr Trump criticising the mayor's response to the 2017 London Bridge terror attack. Advertisement

The US President's visit is expected to be met by large protests with hundreds of thousands of people set to hit the streets and Mayor Khan agreeing to let agitators fly two blimps lampooning Mr Trump: One showing his as a 20ft baby and the other as a robot in a gold toilet.

The President had already wasted no time in spelling out his views on the special relationship, backing a No Deal Brexit while praising Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage and calling for the Brexit Party leader to be sent to Brussels to re-negotiate the deal that cost Theresa May her job.

Jacob Rees-Mogg was the first to react to Trump calling Khan a 'stone cold loser' and said: 'I think it's perfectly reasonable of the President of the United States. I think that Mr Khan demeans the office and demeans the nation. I am backing Mr Trump in this row'.

Mr Trump arrived on Air Force One at Stansted Airport, waving as he walked down the steps from the front of the jet, accompanied by the First Lady who wore a blue pencil skirt and blazer, dark sunglasses and heels.

An array of US military helicopters arrived around an hour ahead of the President's white and blue plane, which bears the US flag on the tail fin and the words United States of America.

There was a visible armed police presence around the airport and police vehicles parked alongside the runway.

Mr Trump used his time at Winfield House before meeting the Queen to watch television and tweet about two familiar targets - 'fake news' CNN and China.

He wrote: 'China is subsidizing its product in order that it can continue to be sold in the USA. Many firms are leaving China for other countries, including the United States, in order to avoid paying the Tariffs. No visible increase in costs or inflation, but U.S. is taking Billions!'

And 30 minutes later, he wrote: 'Just arrived in the United Kingdom. The only problem is that @CNN is the primary source of news available from the U.S. After watching it for a short while, I turned it off. All negative & so much Fake News, very bad for U.S. Big ratings drop. Why doesn't owner @ATT do something?'

Sadiq Khan has hit back and said that Mr Trump's comments were 'beneath' a world leader.

His spokesmam said: 'This is much more serious than childish insults which should be beneath the President of the United States.

'Sadiq is representing the progressive values of London and our country, warning that Donald Trump is the most egregious example of a growing far-right threat around the globe, which is putting at risk the basic values that have defined our liberal democracies for more than 70 years.'

Jeremy Hunt, commenting on Donald Trump's tweet that labelled London Mayor Sadiq Khan a 'stone cold loser', said: 'The president does what the president does but let's ask why he was so angry when he did that tweet and I think the very simple reason is he's been shown great discourtesy.'

The Foreign Secretary continued: 'What I would say is for Sadiq Khan and the Labour Party to be boycotting the state visit of the President of the United States, who has been invited here not by Theresa May but by Her Majesty the Queen to celebrate a relationship that goes back centuries but just 75 years ago saw a million American servicemen on our soil land ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for our liberty, is I'm afraid, virtue-signalling of the worst kind.'

US President Donald Trump grabs the hand of his wife Melania as they touched down in Britain - seconds after his first act was to tweet a scathing criticism of Sadiq Khan's record as London Mayor

Donald Trump's first tweet on British soil was to tear into Sadiq Khan calling him a 'stone cold loser'

Donald Trump stands alongside his wife on the steps of Air Force One and waves as he landed in the UK today

The Presidential couple were buffeted by the wind as they disembarked their jet into the morning sunshine at Staansted

Mr Trump salutes servicemen and women who formed a guard of honour as he walked from his jumbo jet to his helicopter

President Trump's three-day state visit will include lunch with the Queen, and a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, as well as business meetings with the Prime Minister, before travelling to Portsmouth to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings

Mr Trump rests his hand on his wife's back as an American serviceman - one of a huge number of US soldiers and staff in Britain for the visit - salutes

Marine One is seen in the air after US President Donald Trump lands, whisking him into Central London for the first day of his visit

Marine One is followed by a sister craft above the glorious British countryside heading for a meeting with the US Ambassador Woody Johnson

Marine One lands in the grounds of the US Ambassador's London mansion, Winfield House, where Trump is staying

A huge team of British police and American officers and secret service agents watch from the roof of Winfield House, where the US President will stay for three days

Full details of Trump's state visit to Britain have now been revealed, including all the royals he will meet over the three days

Scotland Yard has shut down the roads surrounding Buckingham Palace, Parliament Square and St James Park so Mr Trump can travel between venues

Trump compares Mayor Khan to 'the man who ruined New York', Bill de Blasio President Donald Trump has compared London Mayor Sadiq Khan to his giant New York counterpart Bill de Blasio as he touched down in Britain today. Mr de Blasio is well known in America for his extreme left-wing views and has come under fire since being elected Mayor of the Big Apple in 2014. He is loathed by the NY police department for his policies on crime. Residents of New York also blame the mayor for a deteriorating standard of life in the city with increasing levels of petty crime, homelessness and dirty subways. Like Khan, Mr de Blasio also has a hate-hate relationship with the president. De Blasio, is also running for the Democratic nomination for president. He stands at 6'5'. Khan is 5'6' tall (pictured together above). Trump may have to beat de Blasio to win a second term as president and last month he called the NYC statesman as the 'worst mayor' in history in a video message recorded on Air Force One as he flew to New York for a high-priced Republican fundraiser. He said: 'I can't believe it. I just heard that the worst mayor in the history of New York City and, without question, the worst mayor in the history of the United States is now running for president. It will never happen. I'm pretty good at predicting things like that. I would be very surprised to see him in there for a long period,' Trump said in the video, recorded at his desk aboard the presidential airplane. 'If you like high taxes and if you like crime you can vote for him. But most people aren't into that. So I wish him luck but, really, it would be better off if you get back to New York City and did your job in the little time you have left.' Advertisement

Responding to Mr Trump's tweets about the Mayor of London, Labour MP Yvette Cooper tweeted: 'So appalled Theresa May has given this man a red carpeted platform to do this.

'Doesn't help Britain to be lavishing pomp on a President so determined to be divisive, childish & destructive. Doesn't help US or world to be gifting him a whole load of Royal photo ops to use next yr'

Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott added: 'Ridiculous insults from Trump'.

Mr Trump departed from Joint Base Andrews near Washington DC aboard Air Force One on Sunday night and landed at Stansted at 9am yesterday before heading to the US Ambassador's residence in Regent's Park - Winfield House - his base for the three day trip.

On the streets of London hundreds of thousands of anti-Trump protesters have promised to bring the capital to a halt and will fly controversial blimps depicting him as a baby and a robot on a gold toilet.

Twenty thousand police officers are being deployed to dozens of sites, and key central London sites have been enclosed in steel cordons.

An equivalent policing operation last year cost around £18m.

Protester Auriel Glanville dressed up in a costume she called 'the statue of taking liberties', outside Buckingham Palace.

The 76-year-old from London said: 'Donald Trump is a climate change denier. He's a very dangerous man.

'He's not listening to any of the scientists or David Attenborough that climate change is being caused by human activity.'

She said she did not think it was right that Mr Trump was allowed to make a state visit, adding: 'Climate change is at the top of the agenda and he's not addressing that.'

Ms Glanville said she hopes Mr Trump's meeting with the Prince of Wales later will be an opportunity to bring up the issue of climate change.

Mr Trump has hundreds of his own aides, secret service agents and a plethora of helicopters and military aircraft in the UK to protect him on the trip, also being attended by his children Donald Jr, Eric, Ivanka and Tiffany. His 13-year-old son Barron is staying at home.

The First Lady showed off a $4,400 Gucci shirt dress inspired by the UK capital as she boarded Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Sunday.

Printed in bright pinks, greens and oranges were beloved London landmarks including Big Ben, Tower Bridge, double-decker buses and the Houses of Parliament.

US President Donald Trump (CR) and US First Lady Melania Trump (CL) disembark Marine One at Winfield House, the residence of the US Ambassador in Regent's Park, London

Mr Trump and his wife Melania flew overnight to the UK for the state visit - only the third afforded to a US President

Mr Trump had a huge array of helicopters and military hardware waiting for him at Stansted - sent in advance of the trip

The US commander-in-chief salutes the RAF servicemen and women waiting for him as he got off his jumbo jet

A smiling Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt smiles as he welcomes Mr Trump to Britain and revealed that the President used their short chat to blast Sadiq Khan

The US president (pictured landing in Britain today) said he expected his three-day state visit to be 'very important' and 'very interesting' as he left the White House

Mr Trump waves to the waiting dignitaries on the ground after the seven hour flight from Andrews Air Base to London

Air Force One carrying US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania touches down in Britain for the three-day visit

Air Force One touched down at 8.57am - three minutes ahead of schedule - as Mr Trump starts a whirlwind tour of the UK meeting most of the senior royals

As he took off he mocked the height of Sadiq Khan as he took off for London from Washington last night after the city's mayor called him 'a 20th century fascist'.

'I don't think much of him. He's the twin of de Blasio except shorter,' he told DailyMail.com on the South Lawn of the White House, in response to a question about whether he would be willing to meet with Khan during his UK State Visit.

Like Khan, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has a hate-hate relationship with the president. De Blasio stands at 6ft 5in while Khan is 5ft 6in.

Trump strode to Marine One for his departure on Sunday night, ignoring a follow-up question about whether he would be willing to meet with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

'Nice to see you again, Melania': Lip reader reveals how the Queen warmly welcomed First Lady to Buckingham Palace as Charles greeted the President like an old friend, asking: 'Are you doing well, Donald?' The Royal Family gave President Trump and the First Lady a warm welcome to the UK yesterday, a lip reading expert revealed. The Queen told Melania Trump that it was 'nice to see her again' as she greeted the First Lady on the steps of Buckingham Palace, while Prince Charles, 70, addressed the President with an informal 'Donald'. Lip reader Tina Lannin, of 121 Captions, analysed footage of the Presidential couple arriving this afternoon to discern what was said before the group made their way inside the palace for lunch and a tour of the Royal Collection. Scroll down for videos The Queen gave a warm welcome to the First Lady, who is joining her husband on the State Visit. Pictured, the women share a brief exchange on the steps of Buckingham Palace The Queen told Melania Trump that it was 'nice to see her again' as she greeted the First Lady on the steps of Buckingham Palace, pictured Royal lip reading On the lawn, in front of Marine Force One Charles: 'Are we going down… keep your hat on.' [to Camilla] Charles: [greeting Trump] 'Hello Donald, are you doing well?' Trump: [greeting Camilla] 'Hi…' Camilla: 'Nice to meet you.' Trump: [to Charles] 'Have you…stop...' Charles: [to Trump] 'We have…' Melania: [to Camilla] '...we have to… great.' On the steps outside the palace Queen: [greeting Trump] 'Thank you.' Queen: 'Was it okay? Lovely.' Queen: [to Melania] 'Nice to see you (again.)' Advertisement Prince Charles, 70, and the Duchess of Cornwall, 71, headed out to the lawn to greet the President and his wife after they touched down in Marine One. Before making their way down, Charles said to his wife: 'Are we going down?... Keep your hat on,' prompting Camilla to take hold of the brim. The royal couple then gave their VIP visitors a warm welcome. Showing his easy-going nature, Charles greeted the President with: 'Hello Donald, are you doing well?' While Camilla said: 'Nice to meet you,' as they exchanged pleasantries. President Trump could be seen saying: 'Have you... stop...,' although it was not clear what he was referring to. In response Charles said: 'We have.' The Duchess of Cornwall and Mrs Trump, 49, appeared to be having a similarly light-hearted conversation, with Melania saying at one point: 'We have to... great.' Prince Charles and Camilla then stood to one side while the President and First Lady greeted the Queen. While the camera angle meant the President's mouth could not be seen, the Queen appeared relaxed and in good spirits. She last met the President and First Lady during their visit to the UK in June last year. 'Thank you,' she smiled, as she greeted the President, before adding: 'Was it okay? Lovely.' As Mrs Trump came up the steps to greet Her Majesty, the Queen turned to her and said: 'Nice to see you again'. President Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner watched the arrival from the palace balcony. Prince Harry later joined the group. he Trumps then made their way inside for a private lunch with the royals. The group then took a tour of the Royal Collection. The Royal Family gave President Trump and the First Lady a warm welcome to the UK today, a lip reading expert revealed. Prince Charles addressed the President with an informal 'Donald' and asked, 'Are you doing well?' as the pair shook hands on the lawn of Buckingham Palace Before making their way down, Charles said to his wife: 'Are we going down?... Keep your hat on,' prompting Camilla to take hold of the brim, pictured The Duchess of Cornwall and Mrs Trump, 49, appeared to be having a light-hearted conversation as they followed their respective husbands across the lawn to the palace While the camera angle meant the President's mouth could not be seen, the Queen appeared relaxed and in good spirits as she welcomed him. 'Thank you,' she smiled, as she greeted the President, pictured, before adding: 'Was it okay? Lovely.' Advertisement

Neil Clark, 39, from Woolwich in south London, joined a growing crowd outside Buckingham Palace awaiting the arrival of the president and described Mr Trump as 'amazing'.

He said he was a 'massive fan', adding: 'Just his character, the energy he has, the passion he has. He's an amazing guy.'

Mr Clark described the prospect of protests against Mr Trump as 'quite disrespectful' and 'quite shameful'. He described Mr Trump's tweets about Sadiq Khan as 'justified'.

Mr Trump's arrival will coincide with mass protests in central London against the visit on Tuesday, with the 'Trump baby' blimp made for his visit last year due to put in an appearance.

Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan said that Mr Trump's welcome from protesters is 'disrespectful and pathetic' - especially as he is here to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

He said: 'There's something a bit warped about our values – is Trump really worse than Putin and King Salman? The Americans fought and died alongside us on D Day.'

Donald Trump's giant motorcade arrives at Winfield House - but the President chose to travel into the British capital by helicopter

Royal fan Joseph Afrana celebrates the special relationship holds the countries' flags outside Her Majesty's London residence

An American agent retrieves a hat from the runway at Stansted Airport in Essex and hands it back to a RAF serviceman in the guard of honour

One of Donald Trump's security team sprints across the Tarmac as the Air Force One comes into land at Stansted this morning

Some of the 20,000 Met police officers in the UK walk up The Mall towards Buckingham Palace this morning as streets across central London are closed down

An arrested man is taken head-first into a police van on Trafalgar Square as police stepped up security for the State Visit

On the ground Britain's elite anti-terror units were stalking Stansted as part of Britain's £18million security operation

Snipers and specialist police spotters stand on the roof of the airport preparing to protect Mr Trump on his three-day state visit

The protesters are planning to fly an offensive 20ft blimp depicting the President as an angry baby.

A 16ft talking robot of Mr Trump sitting on a gold toilet is also expected to make an appearance. It depicts the American leader with his trousers round his ankles while tweeting.

Mr Trump has praised Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage, talked up the prospect of a Brexit trade deal and denied making 'bad' comments about the Duchess of Sussex as he set off for Britain.

The US president said he expected his three-day state visit to be 'very important' and 'very interesting' as he left the White House on Sunday evening.

Speaking to reporters over the din of his waiting Marine One helicopter, Mr Trump was asked if he planned to meet Mr Johnson during the trip.

'Well, I think I may meet with him. He's been a friend of mine. He's been very nice. I have a very good relationship with him,' the president said of the Tory leadership hopeful.

He went on: 'I have a very good relationship with Nigel Farage, with many people over there (in the UK) and we'll see what happens. I may meet with him. They want to meet. We'll see what happens.'

A 20-foot-tall blimp depicting a cartoon baby Donald Trump flew in London during the president's last visit and is expected to make another appearance this week

Protesters will also show off this giant robot of Donald Trump sitting on a gold toilet, which is being shipped to London from China; the 16-foot-high talking robot says well-known phrases like 'stable genius' and 'no collusion' while making fart noises

A detailed plan of what Mr Trump will do during his state visit to the UK. He is expected to meet the Queen, Theresa May, and attend a lavish state banquet at Buckingham Palace

Trump and first lady Melania waved as they boarded Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Sunday night; the president is going to London, France and Ireland

The first lady is seen above walking out of the White House to meet her husband on the South Lawn of the White House before their departure to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland

The first lady wore a Gucci dress designed as a tribute to the United Kingdom, with images of Big Ben and the British Parliament

The president gives a thumbs up to reporters at Joint Base Andrews just before boarding Air Force One for Britain. President Trump appeared Sunday at a Virginia church with slicked back hair after a game of golf - sending social media into a frenzy over whether he is trying a new hairstyle

James O'Brien sells Donald Trump toilet paper in London, as part of the protests against Trump's visit to the UK

Melania Trump pays tribute to D-Day veterans with a military themed £650 Burberry blouse Mrs Trump's Burberry pussy-bow blouse - which is in the colours of the Union Jack - comes in one of the label's archive scarf prints, with ropes, red ribbon and military medals on on show Melania Trump looked elegant in a navy ensemble as she and President Trump arrived in the UK for the start of their State Visit. The First Lady, 49, plumped for a classic knee-length pencil skirt and matching blazer as she stepped off Air Force One at Stansted Airport this morning. In an apparent nod to the upcoming D-Day anniversary, Mrs Trump paired the suit with a £650 ($820) Burberry blouse printed with military medals. President Trump reached for his wife's hand as they crossed the runway and made their way to the waiting Marine One helicopter. While the President and First lady are expected to be met by protests in central London, there was no sign of disruption on their arrival in Stansted Airport, which is roughly an hour's drive from the capital. The First Lady found time for an outfit change on the overnight flight, after leaving the Andrews Air Force Base, in Maryland, in a £3,480 ($4,400) Gucci shirt dress. The designer frock was printed with a graphic illustration of the London skyline - complete with depictions of Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament. Mrs Trump continued her Britannia-themed wardrobe on arrival by plumping for the statement blouse by British heritage brand Burberry. The pussy-bow blouse - which is in the colours of the Union Jack - comes in one of the label's archive scarf prints, with ropes, red ribbon and military medals on on show. Advertisement

Accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, the president arrived aboard Air Force One on Monday morning having already created a considerable degree of political turbulence with comments on the Tory leadership race, Brexit and the Duchess of Sussex.

Ahead of the visit, he called on Britain to leave the European Union without a deal if Brussels refuses to meet its demands and urged the Government to send Mr Farage into the negotiations.

The controversy was further exacerbated on Sunday when the US ambassador to the UK, Woody Johnson, suggested the NHS would be on the table in post-Brexit trade talks.

Addressing the prospect of a transatlantic trade deal, Mr Trump said: '(We're) going to the UK. I think it'll be very important. It certainly will be very interesting. There's a lot going on in the UK. And I'm sure it's going to work out very well for them.

'As you know, they want to do trade with the United States, and I think there's an opportunity for a very big trade deal at some point in the near future. And we'll see how that works out.'

Accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, the president departed from Joint Base Andrews near Washington DC aboard Air Force One at around 8.45pm local time (1.45am BST).

The Trumps arrive at Stansted Airport on Monday morning before heading to Buckingham Palace for a reception with the Queen, Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

The Duke of Sussex will also attend the private lunch at the palace - although his wife Meghan, who is on maternity leave, will be at home with their four-week-old son, Archie.

Mr Trump has already denied calling the Duchess of Sussex 'nasty' when he was recently confronted with comments she made before the 2016 US elections saying she would leave the country if he won.

Asked at the White House on Sunday evening if he was willing to apologise to the Royal Family, or to clarify the comments made to The Sun, Mr Trump replied: 'No, I made no bad comment. Thank you.'

Mr Trump's arrival in the capital is due to be followed by a protest through central London against the visit on Tuesday, with the 'Trump baby' blimp made for his visit last year due to put in an appearance.

On Sunday, Mr Khan described the president as 'just one of the most egregious examples of a growing global threat' and compared the language he has used to that of the 'fascists of the 20th century'.

Asked if he would be willing to meet the London mayor, Mr Trump replied: 'No, I don't think much of him. I think that he's a - he's the twin of (New York City mayor Bill) de Blasio, except shorter.'

Mr Trump warned Theresa May not to let Chinese mobile giant Huawei have any role in Britain's 5G network in an interview published hours before arriving in the UK.

Mr Trump said: 'We work very closely with your country and so you have to be very careful.'

The President will ban Huawei from America's next mobile network and is urging allies to do the same, The Sun reported last night.

The US ambassador to Britain, Woody Johnson, emphasised Mr Trump's message and said giving Huawei access to 5G would mean 'the Chinese are completely in'.

He added: 'There's no such thing as the centre, the core or the outlying areas. It's all one big thing. You can't have antennas all over and think that they're not part of it.

'The government can call up and say 'I want this information and I want it now' and the company has to respond.'

Trump paid special tribute to wife Melania, who dazzled in a $4995 black Michael Kors chain link gown

More than 20,000 police officers will be deployed at 20 separate demonstrations across the country in a security operation expected to cost around £18million.

The main protest will be held in central London on Tuesday with organisers claiming a quarter of a million people will march from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square.

No comment: Trump walked away without answering a question about whether he would be willing to meet with Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn

Scotland Yard has given them permission to protest just yards from Downing Street when US President has lunch with Theresa May at Number 10.

The protesters are planning to fly an offensive 20ft blimp depicting the President as an angry baby. The blimp was flown at a demonstration during Mr Trump's previous visit after London's Labour mayor Sadiq Khan licensed its use.

A 16ft talking robot of Mr Trump sitting on a gold toilet is also expected to make an appearance. It depicts the American leader with his trousers round his ankles while tweeting.

The robot, which has been shipped to the UK from China, emits farting noises and recordings of some of Trump's provocative sound bites including: 'no collusion', 'a witch-hunt', 'you are fake news' and 'I'm a very stable genius'.

The biggest protest in British history saw up to two million take to the streets in February 2002 over the impending Iraq War.

The Met said officers have met organisers of the main anti-Trump protest and have banned the demonstrators from walking the entire length of Whitehall to allow his motorcade to enter Downing Street without hassle.

A spokesman said: 'A very experienced command team is preparing the multi-faceted policing and security operation for the president's visit and whilst the Met has a responsibility to ensure the right to lawful protest this needs to be balanced with the complex requirements of this policing plan.

Two Tory leadership candidates signalled a potential Government U-turn on Huawei last night.

Jeremy Hunt and Sajid Javid questioned Theresa May's plan to allow the firm to help build Britain's new 5G network – suggesting it could put national security at risk.

And the US President made clear he intends to press the Government to tear up the plan when he jets into Britain today for a three-day state visit.

He warned ministers to 'be very careful' and to seek 'alternatives' to Huawei – and is expected to confront Mrs May over the issue in a meeting tomorrow.

The US ambassador to Britain also warned that there would be consequences for trans-Atlantic intelligence sharing if ministers did not reverse the outgoing Prime Minister's controversial decision.

Hundreds of thousands of activists are planning to paralyse London during Donald Trump's state visit next week.

Last night, Home Secretary Mr Javid suggested he would scrap the Huawei deal if he becomes prime minister, while Foreign Secretary Mr Hunt warned of buying telecom products 'from a specific country' that may be a 'backdoor to espionage'.

In an interview on the eve of his visit, Mr Trump called on Britain to seek 'alternatives' to Huawei.

US officials believe the Chinese government is using the technology giant to spy on Western countries.

Asked what the consequences would be if the UK presses ahead with the deal, US ambassador Woody Johnson said: 'I think, to be determined.' Mr Javid told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show he would scrap the Huawei deal if he becomes prime minister. He said: 'I would not want any company, whichever country it's from, that has a high degree of control by a foreign government, to have access to our very sensitive tech communications.' And Mr Hunt said: 'We have to look at the technical issues which are around whether buying products from a specific country could be a backdoor to espionage.

'And we have to ask as Western countries whether it's wise to allow one country to have such a commanding monopoly in the technologies that we're - all of us - going to be depending on.'

Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt - seen by many as a potential leadership candidate - also expressed her concerns, saying: 'There are vulnerabilities with just having one supplier, so all nations facing these decisions have to look at the detail, and they have to weigh that up.'

Last week the Mail revealed the close relationship between Mrs May's Government and Huawei. Since she became Prime Minister, no fewer than 14 ministers have held meetings with officials from the firm.

The president left a scattershot pattern of tweets behind as he left Washington, including the announcement that his chief economic adviser had quit – and a broadside against Russia, Syria and Iran for 'bombing the hell out of Idlib province in Syria'

Last night, in advance of her meeting with Mr Trump, Mrs May spoke of the importance of the intelligence-sharing relationship between the two countries.

'Our security relationship is deeper, broader and more advanced than with anyone else,' she said. 'Through joint military operations, unrivalled intelligence-sharing and our commitment to Nato, our global leadership remains at the heart of international peace and stability.' Mr Johnson told the BBC that he would 'caution' the British Government to move 'much more slowly' on the Huawei decision.

'I think what you've heard from the President and other members of his staff is concern about the risk of allowing your infra-structure to be built by a country that has a totally different setup than we do,' he said.' Asked if he wants to see the next prime minister take a different stance, Mr Trump told The Sunday Times: 'You have other alternatives and we have to be very careful from the standpoint of national security. You see that maybe now more than ever before.

'National security is so important, so we all have to be very careful together. And the UK understands that very well.' Tory MP Bob Seely said: 'Donald Trump will read the riot act to our Government over the Chinese tech giant Huawei. We - and especially the main Conservative leadership contenders - would be well advised to listen.

Let's remember who our real friends are; the US, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and others. We need to hold off on this decision, think about it, and then say no to Chinese hi-tech in our 5G infrastructure.

'Trade matters, but so do our allies. We don't have to choose between the two.' A Number 10 source said the Huawei issue was being reviewed and an announcement would be made 'in due course'.

'We all have to be very careful together'.

Ivanka Trump arrived in the United Kingdom earlier on Sunday and visited the V&A Museum in Kensington, London

The feud between Sadiq Khan and Trump began in 2016 when the president, then a candidate, challenged him to an IQ test after the mayor said his views on Islam were 'ignorant.'

Trump had at the time called for a 'complete and total ban' on Muslims entering the U.S. as a short-term strategy to lower the threat of terrorist attacks.

Speaking to the BBC shortly afterwards, the mayor said: 'Look, it was Donald Trump that began this by saying his blanket ban on Muslims would make an exception for me as Mayor of London.'

Melania's collared frock with three-quarter-length sleeves and a mid-calf-length skirt was cinched at the waist with a forest-green belt. She topped the look off with a pair of nude pointed-toe pumps.

The dress danced as Melania strutted across White House lawn to join her husband before they took off for London.

The Trumps will arrive in the UK capital on Monday for a two-day whirlwind of pomp, circumstance and protests, including meetings with the royal family and an extravagant state dinner at Buckingham Palace.

Melania is sure to show off other politically-savvy ensembles during the visit, just as she has throughout her tenure as first lady.

Earlier on Sunday evening, the Trumps were busy with events and appearances that required frequent changes of clothing and even hairstyles.

The president was seen earlier on Sunday playing golf at his club in Virginia. Afterward, he traveled straight from the golf course to a church in Vienna, Virginia.

While standing on stage with Pastor David Platt, he was seen with his hair combed back, which got people on social media wondering what happened to the president

The president arrived at McLean Bible Church in Vienna, Virginia on Sunday after his golf outing, which apparently meant he did not have time to make his usual preparations

The president, who is seen wearing his white golf shoes, didn't speak at McLean Bible Church but thanked Platt, and remembered to take off his golf hat before standing with him for the prayer

Later on Sunday evening, Trump appeared at a gala at Ford's Theater in Washington, DC. Having had time to prepare, the president returned to his conventional appearance

It was at the church where he showed off his 'hat hair,' a combed back style that made some on Twitter observe that he looked like a 'normal' person.

Afterward, he was able to return to the White House where he got ready for a gala at Ford Theater in Washington, DC.

At that appearance, the president was able to sport his conventional hairstyle.

President Trump's eldest daughter has already arrived in London ahead of her father's state and shared a photograph of herself playing tourist at a museum.

Ivanka Trump, 37, posted a photograph of herself outside the Victoria and Albert Museum this afternoon wearing a yellow floral dress from New York sister designers duo Ai Ly and Wayne Lee - aka Les Reveries.

She paired the pure silk-crepe frock that falls to a flattering midi length with blue high heels as she stepped out to see the Mary Quant exhibit of over 200 pieces of clothing and accessories from the British designer.

Ivanka's dress was listed at $655 but is now available for a bargain $458 on Net-a-Porter.

Piers Morgan blasts 'disrespectful and pathetic' Trump protesters as thousands prepare to gather outside Buckingham Palace today while the President is hosted by The Queen Piers Morgan today blasted the hundreds of thousands of 'disrespectful and pathetic' activists pledging to paralyse London with mass demonstrations as Donald Trump visits Britain. More than 20,000 police officers will be deployed at 20 sites planned across the country in a security operation expected to cost about £18million. A ring of steel surrounds central London today, where agitators plan to fly an offensive 20ft blimp depicting the President as an angry baby and a 16ft talking robot of Mr Trump sitting on a gold toilet. Piers Morgan today blasted hundreds of thousands of 'disrespectful and pathetic' activists on ITV's Good Morning Britain alongside his co-presenter Susanna Reid The main protest is being planned for close to Buckingham Palace at 5.30pm - where the Queen will be hosting a state banquet in the US President's honour this evening. Protesters have pledged to cripple the UK capital because they oppose the decision to welcome Mr Trump for a state visit - only the third offered to a US president. But despite Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, Romania's Nicolae Ceausescu and King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia all having the same level of pageantry - they did not face the same level of protest. Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan, who is also the DailyMail.com US Editor-at-Large, said that Mr Trump's welcome from protesters is 'disrespectful and pathetic' - especially as he is here to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day. He said: 'There's something a bit warped about our values – is Trump really worse than Putin and King Salman? The Americans fought and died alongside us on D Day.' The protesters are planning to fly an offensive 20ft blimp depicting the President as an angry baby. Donald Trump and first lady Melania waved as they boarded Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland last night. The US president is going to London, France and Ireland Asad Rehman, member of the Stop Trump Coalition, which created the blimp, told ITV's Good Morning Britain that the protest was a comment on Mr Trump being 'egotistical and has got a very thin skin'. He was asked by Piers Morgan whether this makes it look like Britain's response to commemorating the US contribution to D-Day seems to be putting up a baby blimp. Mr Rehman then accused Mr Morgan of wanting to be Mr Trump's chief of staff, which Mr Morgan denied, saying he just wanted to be 'fair minded'. Mr Rehman added: 'Let's be as upset the fact that six young children have died in custody in the United States as a result of his policies to divide parents and children.' Mr Morgan also criticised Mr Rehman for not protesting the visit of Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, with a similar baby blimp. But Mr Rehman said there were other demonstrations held against the Crown Prince, adding: 'I don't think the criteria for a protest is having a blimp.' Advertisement

Anti-Trump protesters trade insults with the President's fans outside Buckingham Palace: Hundreds start to gather ahead of Labour-supported demonstration during lavish state dinner

Police had to separate protesters for and against Donald Trump in London today after they started shouting and pointing fingers at each other outside Buckingham Palace.

Emotions ran high in London as the US President began his state visit amid a wave of protests expected over the next three days as he meets members of the Royal Family and Theresa May in her final days as Prime Minister.

Hundreds of thousands of protesters could join demonstrations this week that will see them fly an offensive 20ft blimp depicting the President as an angry baby and unveil a 16ft talking robot of Mr Trump sitting on a gold toilet.

The main demonstrations today are due to begin from 5.30pm and have been backed by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Sadiq Khan, before up to 250,000 people are expected to take part in a march tomorrow.

A police officer breaks up a heated debate between a protester and a Trump fan (right) outside Buckingham Palace today

A protester (left) and the Trump supporter (right) exchange fierce views on Mr Trump outside Buckingham Palace today

Emotions ran high in London as the President began his state visit amid a wave of protests expected over the next three days

Hundreds of thousands of protesters could join demonstrations this week, which have already started in London today

The Trump supporter said the 'p***y' video was more than a decade old and claimed 'real men talk about women that way'

In one volatile exchange caught on camera today, protesters argued over the infamous video of Mr Trump from 2005 when he used the phrase 'grab them by the p***y' in relation to meeting women.

A female Trump supporter pointed out the video was more than a decade old and claimed 'real men talk about women that way' while a male supporter said he would say the same thing – which riled those on the other side.

An anti-Trump protester said: 'I'm proud to say I'd never ever speak about women like that. You should be ashamed of yourself.' But the Trump fan replied: 'I'm a working class cockney, and you lot are middle class Left-wing elitist.'

But the anti-Trump protester said: 'There are plenty of intelligent, sensitive working class people who aren't ignorant, aren't racist, aren't sexist and aren't flaming morons - it just so happens you are all of those things.'

Earlier today, Neil Clark, 39, from Woolwich in South East London, joined a growing crowd outside Buckingham Palace awaiting the arrival of the President and described Mr Trump as 'amazing'.

A couple from Stoke-on-Trent wait outside Buckingham Palace with placards to welcome US President Donald Trump today

Royal fan Joseph Afrana holds flags with tourists from Taiwan near Buckingham Palace during Mr Trump's state visit today

Marine One lands as US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive at Buckingham Palace in London today

The couple, who identified themselves as the Holdcroft, wait in front of Buckingham Palace during the state visit today

A changing of the guard takes place outside Buckingham Palace in London this morning

Art student, 18, mows a naughty welcome to Trump on Stansted flight path An art student has found an imaginative way of getting his message to US President Donald Trump today. Ollie Nancarrow, of Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, mowed a rather rude welcome to Mr Trump into a field on the flight path into London Stansted Airport, where the US leader arrive at 9am today. One message featured an outline of a polar bear alongside the words: 'Climate change is real'. The 18-year-old said that 'living under the flightpath has to have some advantages'. He said: 'I wanted to show Trump that I oppose his views and policies on climate change and, as an artist, I use whatever canvas I have.' Mr Nancarrow, who is part of the sustainability and environmental awareness group 'Born Eco', won't get to take part in any other Trump protests until later as he is busy taking an A-level exam. Ollie Nancarrow, of Bishop's Stortford, mowed a rather rude welcome to Mr Trump into a field on the flight path into London Stansted Advertisement

He said he was a 'massive fan', adding: 'Just his character, the energy he has, the passion he has. He's an amazing guy.' Mr Clark described the prospect of protests against Mr Trump as 'quite disrespectful' and 'quite shameful'.

He also described Mr Trump's tweets about London Mayor Sadiq Khan as 'justified'. Mr Trump launched a Twitter tirade at Mr Khan this morning, branding him a 'stone cold loser' - which Mr Khan called a 'childish insult'.

Members of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery made their way past the front of Buckingham Palace and into Green Park ahead of firing Royal Salutes later. A military band played music on the palace forecourt.

Police officers could be seen standing at three different points on the roof at the front of the palace. The crowd outside grew and were entertained by the band, with tunes including the themes to both Rocky and Fame.

The US President and the First Lady Melania Trump were greeted by Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and US ambassador to the UK Woody Johnson at Stansted Airport this morning as they began their three-day trip.

Activists from Amnesty International unfurl anti-Trump banners from Vauxhall Bridge in sight of the US Embassy today

Another view of the anti-Trump banners unfurled from Vauxhall Bridge in London today in sight of the US Embassy

Tourists watch as the Household Cavalry make their way down to Horse Guards Parade from Buckingham Palace today

Crowds of tourists and observers wait near Buckingham Palace during US President Donald Trump's state visit today

The Trumps then headed to Winfield House, the ambassador's residence in the capital. Mr Trump arrived having already created political turbulence with comments on the Tory leadership race, Brexit and the Duchess of Sussex.

Mr Trump arrived on Air Force One at Stansted Airport, waving as he walked down the steps from the front of the jet, accompanied by the First Lady who wore a blue pencil skirt and blazer, dark sunglasses and heels.

An array of US military helicopters arrived around an hour ahead of the President's white and blue plane, which bears the US flag on the tail fin and the words United States of America.

There was a visible armed police presence around the airport and police vehicles parked alongside the runway.

Other passengers on Air Force One, including members of the media, disembarked from the rear of the plane while 20 troops from the RAF Regiment formed a guard of honour for Mr Trump.Mr Trump and