Authorities detained six individuals after demonstrators illuminated Windsor Castle with massive projections showing US President Donald Trump alongside convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein on Tuesday evening, marking the start of protests against the American president's historic second state visit to Britain, Sky News reported.
Thames Valley Police arrested four people on "suspicion of malicious communications" following the projection of Trump-Epstein images onto the royal residence, while two additional men faced charges for violating airspace restrictions, according to Sky News.
The controversial images appeared as Trump landed to become the first elected leader receiving two British state visits, with mounting scrutiny over his relationship with the deceased billionaire after Congress published alleged Trump-to-Epstein messages earlier this month, Sky News noted.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan launched a sharp attack Wednesday morning, declaring Trump has "fanned the flames of the far-right" while warning that "a toxic form of politics is spilling out onto our streets," according to Sky News.
Metropolitan Police officials confirmed deployment of more than 1,600 officers for Britain's biggest security operation since King Charles's coronation, with 500 additional officers from other forces managing up to 50 expected protest groups, Sky News reported.
The UK government announced a "tech prosperity deal" worth £31 billion in American technology investments, coinciding with Trump's arrival, including Microsoft's £22 billion commitment to build Britain's largest AI supercomputer, according to Sky News.
King Charles will host Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle for ceremonial welcomes on Wednesday and an elaborate state dinner that evening, with zero public appearances scheduled during the 48-hour visit. Prince William and Princess Kate are scheduled to greet the presidential couple at Windsor on Wednesday morning before escorting them to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla for an outdoor reception, according to Sky News.
The Stop Trump Coalition protest march will begin near Regent's Park at 3 p.m. Wednesday, moving through central London to Parliament Square, with organizers expecting tens of thousands of demonstrators, Sky News reported.
Trump addressed journalists during his flight, declaring, "My relationship is very good with the UK, and Charles, as you know, who's now King, is my friend. It's the first time it's ever happened where somebody was honored twice. So, it's a great honor," Sky News quoted.
