King Charles and Queen Camilla will be welcoming Donald and Melania Trump to Windsor Castle as part of the American President’s state visit to the UK. This event continues a longstanding tradition, as the late Queen Elizabeth II met with 13 out of the last 14 sitting US presidents during her 70-year reign, showing a particular fondness for President Barack Obama.

During Obama’s last state visit to the UK in 2016, an unexpected request from the Queen led to a dispute between the Secret Service and Buckingham Palace. The Queen personally greeted the Obamas at Windsor Castle, where they were set to be transported to the royal residence. However, the Secret Service objected to the idea of the Obamas traveling in a vehicle other than the one provided by them.

Royal expert Robert Hardman revealed that this disagreement escalated into a significant conflict. The Secret Service insisted that the President could only be driven by their team, leading to tensions over the choice of transportation for the Obamas. Eventually, Obama decided to honor the Queen’s request and rode in a Range Rover driven by Prince Philip, breaking the usual protocol of using specialized security vehicles.

Reflecting on the experience, Obama mentioned in his memoirs how the Queen casually allowed them to choose their seating arrangement in the car, contrary to formal protocol. Following the State Visit, Obama expressed his appreciation for being driven by Prince Philip, emphasizing the smooth ride during the unique and memorable journey.

This event highlights the historic interactions between US presidents and the British monarchy, showcasing the diplomatic nuances and personal connections that shape such visits.