High threat alert issued before Donald Trump's UK state visit

Security around Windsor Castle will operate at a "very high threat level" on Tuesday before US President Donald Trump arrives for his second UK state visit, police confirmed.

Thames Valley Police said its operation was "comprehensive" and under constant review, citing both planned protests and last week's assassination of Republican activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. Officers stressed that the wider international security climate had been factored into preparations.

Mr Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will attend events at Windsor Castle and Chequers, the Prime Minister's country retreat in Buckinghamshire.

A strong security presence has been assembled, including public order teams, mounted and dog units, drones, and the Thames marine patrol.

Close protection specialists from London have been drafted in, while airspace restrictions have been imposed over Windsor and Chequers.

Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt said: "I'm very content that we have planned a very comprehensive policing and security operation that has taken into consideration just about every eventuality of what could happen.

"We understand that things happen elsewhere in the world that can impact our security operations. We've done all the reviews we need to, and our security posture is as it needs to be for this operation."

Two-thirds of the officers involved have been brought in from forces nationwide, though police declined to confirm total numbers. Social media channels will also be monitored for disinformation campaigns.

Protests are expected in London and Windsor, where fencing has been erected to secure the ceremonial route. The Stop Trump Coalition urged supporters to mobilise, accusing the government of legitimising "politics of hatred and division."

In a statement, the group said: "After seeing the UK's largest far-right demo this past weekend, it is even more essential to turn out to protest against Donald Trump's state visit. We do not want our government to trade away our democracy and decency."

Despite the tensions, Trump will be welcomed with pageantry, including a Red Arrows flypast and a carriage procession through the Windsor estate.

On Wednesday, King Charles will host the traditional white-tie state banquet at Windsor Castle, at which both he and Trump are expected to speak.

On Thursday, Trump will travel to Chequers for formal talks with the Prime Minister, with nuclear and technology cooperation anticipated to top the agenda.