Donald Trump was at Buckingham Palace this evening for the banquet that brought the first day of his state visit to a close.
Ahead the lavish meal, the Queen gave an opening speech welcoming the president and First lady Melania to the palace.
The monarch went on to talk about the relationship between the UK and America, before standing for the American national anthem.
Trump then addressed the 170 guests at the banquet in a speech of his own - before breaking with protocol and touching the Queen's back as she stood to toast his words.
Earlier the US president, 72, landed at Stansted Airport in Essex on board Air Force One earlier, he insulted London Mayor Sadiq Khan on Twitter, calling him a "stone cold loser".
Protesters have unfurled large banners over the Thames reading "Resist Trump" and "Resist Racism", and the Trump Baby blimp will fly over the capital.
Mr Trump earlier toured Westminster Abbey, lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior and enjoyed tea with Charles and Camilla at Clarence House.
Harry snubs Trump at palace after he branded Meghan "nasty"
With his wife Meghan and Donald Trump at loggerheads, Prince Harry found himself in an awkward position yesterday as the US President visited the royals.
And he appeared to do all he could to avoid the US leader during a viewing of artefacts in the Buckingham Palace Picture Gallery.
As Mr Trump and wife Melania looked at the treasures on the first day of their state visit to Britain, Harry stood at the back of the room with a face like thunder.
Read the full story here.
Stunning images show banquet scale
These amazing images show the sheer scale of the state banquest.
The banquet was attended by 170 guests including the royal family, Trump’s family and political spheres.
The food and drink served to diners at royal events usually features produce from the Queen’s estate, and those invited to the Buckingham Palace banquet in honour of the US president were served a 2014 English sparkling wine from Windsor Great Park, priced at about £37.99.
Red wine lovers quaffed Chateau Lafite-Rothschild 1990 - 1er cru classe Pauillac, costing up to £1,395 a bottle, for those with deep pockets.
Mr Trump is said to have never drunk and encouraged his children to abstain from alcohol.
Body language expert on 'rebel royals' during Trump speech
The Royal Family sat side-by-side with the Trumps at a luxurious state banquet at Buckingham Palace tonight.
But while on the surface the Trumps and the Windsors were the image of protocol and politeness, a closer look at their body language tells a very different tale.
From a ‘bored’, fidgeting Prince Charles being left hanging during the toasts to his equally distracted son Prince William - and THAT back pat from Trump to the Queen - click here to see what body language expert Judi James says was really going on...
A night for white
White seemed to be the theme of the night with Queen, Camilla, Kate Middleton and Melania Trump all opting for white gowns.
Melania Trump is wearing a Dior Haute Couture ivory silk crepe gown with silk tulle detail.
Kate’s dress is Alexander McQueen, the Queen ‘s is in Angela Kelly and Camilla is in Bruce Oldfield.
May at state banquet
Theresa May was sat alongside Prince William at the banquet after walking into the ballroom alongside the Duke.
They were pictured gazing towards the Queen and Trump as they gave their speeches ahead of the banquet.
Guests quaff pricey wine
The Queen’s state banquet guests washed down their lavish dinner with wines costing from £38 up to £1,400, but not US President Donald Trump - who is teetotal.
The food and drink served to diners at royal events usually features produce from the Queen’s estate, and those invited to the Buckingham Palace banquet in honour of the US president were served a 2014 English sparkling wine from Windsor Great Park, priced at about £37.99.
Red wine lovers quaffed Chateau Lafite-Rothschild 1990 - 1er cru classe Pauillac, costing up to £1,395 a bottle, for those with deep pockets.
Mr Trump is said to have never drunk and encouraged his children to abstain from alcohol.
Other wines served included another sparkling wine from the UK - the Hambledon Classic Cuvee Rose NV costing £34.95 and the white burgundy Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot Louis Jadot 2014 priced at about £75.
Trump breaks protocol at banquet
Donald Trump appeared to break with protocol during the state banquet as he placed his hand on the Queen’s back.
Trump had delivered his speech to the 170 guests in the ballroom when he gestured towards the Monarch and touched her while she stood to his toast.
The Queen seemed unfazed by the action as she toasted his words.
Trump's full speech
Your majesty, Melania and I are profoundly honored 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 endeavor of righteous nations and one of the greatest undertakings in all of history. 75 years ago, more than 150,000 allied troop were preparing on this island to parachute into France, storm the beaches of Normandy, and win back our civilization.
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 Phillip’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 honor 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 honor 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 reference 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.
More details on banquet procedure
The exclusive array of guests dined on a menu of Windsor lamb and strawberry sable.
In the opulent Buckingham Palace ballroom, the US president, First Lady Melania Trump and four of Mr Trump’s five children were part of the 170 strong guest list treated to steamed fillet of halibut with watercress mousse, asparagus spears and chervil sauce.
It was followed by saddle of new season Windsor lamb, with herb stuffing, spring vegetables and port sauce.
Guests enjoyed a range of wines including Château Lafite Rothschild 1990, which is sold for up to £1,400 a bottle - the average monthly wage in the UK.
The menu was chosen from four possible alternatives presented to the Queen by royal chefs.
Queen's speech in full
The Queen started the banquet with an opening speech, welcoming the Trumps to Buckingham Palace.
Her speech in full...
I am delighted to welcome you and Mrs Trump to Buckingham Palace this evening, just twelve months after our first meeting at Windsor Castle. Visits by American Presidents always remind us of the close and longstanding friendship between the United Kingdom and the United States, and I am so glad that we have another opportunity to demonstrate the immense importance that both our countries attach to our relationship.
In the coming days, you will see some of our most treasured historical buildings, speak to the business leaders whose expertise and innovation drive our economies, and meet members of our Armed Services, past and present. You will also travel to Portsmouth and Normandy to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day.
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 liberty and democracy. Mr President, in your State of the Union Address this year, you paid tribute to some of the American heroes who risked their lives, and we owe an immeasurable debt to the British, American and Allied soldiers who began the liberation of Europe on 6th June 1944.
I paid my first State Visit to your country at the invitation of President Eisenhower. As Supreme Allied Commander, he had ultimate responsibility for the execution of the Normandy landings. In his headquarters in St James’s Square – not far from Buckingham Palace – British and American officers worked closely together to plan the freedom of a continent, and it would be no exaggeration to say that millions of lives depended on their common endeavour.
As we face the new challenges of the Twenty First Century, the anniversary of D-Day reminds us of all that our countries have achieved together. After the shared sacrifices of the Second World War, Britain and the United States worked with other allies to build an assembly of international institutions, to ensure that the horrors of conflict would never be repeated. While the world has changed, we are forever mindful of the original purpose of these structures: nations working together to safeguard a hard won peace.
Of course, it is not only our security which unites us; but our strong cultural links and shared heritage. Every year, there are almost four million visits by Americans to the United Kingdom, with a great number claiming British descent. And with your own Scottish ancestry, Mr President, you too have a particular connection to this country.
We are also bound by the strength and breadth of our economic ties, as the largest investors in each other’s economies. British companies in the United States employ over one million Americans, and the same is true vice versa.
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.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I invite you all to rise and drink a toast to President and Mrs Trump, to the continued friendship between our two nations, and to the health, prosperity and happiness of the people of the United States.
Trump makes opening speech
Trump has now stood to address the room and make his opening speech ahead of the banquet.
Sixteen members of the royal family are at 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, will be noticeably absent, as will the Duchess of Sussex who is on maternity leave, looking after their four-week-old son Archie.
Queen makes speech ahead of banquet
Trump nodded in agreement at the words of the Queen who made a speech ahead of the banquet.
Trump walks alongside Queen into banquet
Trump was pictured walking alongside the Queen as they headed into the lavish state banquet.
Eric Trump pictured at banquet
Trump’s son Eric was pictured posing ahead of the banquet with his wife, Lara.
He tweeted a picture of the couple.
Members of the Yeoman of the Guard were also pictured getting into position before the state banquet got underway.
Here's what's on the menu
Here’s what’s on the menu for tonight’ banquet - and it all sounds very indulgent
- 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.
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 is likely to enjoy the pudding.
Kate and William arrive for banquet
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived for State Banquet at Buckingham Palace.
They both looked serious as they were pictured being driven to the palace.
Kate wore diamond and sapphire earrings, believed to have belonged to the Queen Mother, and a diamond and pearl tiara.
Protests continue outside palace
Thousands of people have taken to the streets in protest over Trump’s state visit.
Many were pictured outside Buckingham Palace holding anti-Trump placards.
Inside lavish banquet hall
Buckingham Palace gave a sneak peek of the State Banquet table in the Buckingham Palace Ballroom.
Posting pictures of the ornate table and decorations, the pictures were captioned: “The final finishing touches will be added shortly before The Queen welcomes
@POTUS, @FLOTUS, members of the Royal Family and around 170 guests to celebrate the #USStateVisit.”
Trump's helicopter arrives at palace
Mirror political correspondent Mikey Smith is at the palace, where he captured footage of the president’s helicopter arriving for the banquet.
Donald Trump arrives at Buckingham Palace aboard Marine One - as a noisy protest continues outside. pic.twitter.com/2sHH9epUxJ
— Mikey Smith (@mikeysmith) June 3, 2019
Trump arrives for state banquet
Donald Trump and his family have arrived at Buckingham Palace for the state banquet.
Countdown to banquet
The countdown is on for the prestigious state banquet being held for Trump at Buckingham Palace this evening.
It’s believed Trump and Melania will be arriving to the palace at around 7:40pm.
The banquet will involve a lavish meal to bring the first day of the president’s visit to a close.
Protests outside palace
Protesters are gathering outside Buckingham Palace this evening ahead of a state banquet laid on for President Trump.
Protesters also unfurled large banners over the Thames reading “Resist Trump” and “Resist Racism”,.
All things Trump CANNOT do around Queen
Donald Trump must not shake hands with the Queen , talk about sex or kiss her, an etiquette expert warned today.
Diana Mather, a former newsreader who has taught communication skills to MPs and other politicians in the past 30 years, said the US President must abide to some strict rules in front of the monarch.
Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live today, she told how Mr Trump musn’t kiss the Queen - a mistake which President Jimmy Carter made in 1977 when he kissed the Queen Mother.
“Foreigners don’t have to bow, but it is quite nice to nod the head, “ Ms Mather said.
“You can shake hands when the Queen offers her hand.”
She outlined further tips the 72-year-old should remember.
Eric Trump to visit palace
Trump’s son Eric has tweeted that he is “looking froward” to visiting Buckingham Palace this evening.
He wrote: “Looking forward to visiting Buckingham Palace for the first time. The U.K. is a very special place (for so many reasons) and it is an honor for our family to be hosted by Her Majesty.”
Looking forward to visiting Buckingham Palace for the first time. The U.K. is a very special place (for so many reasons) and it is an honor for our family to be hosted by Her Majesty.
— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) June 3, 2019
Trump says trip is "going really well"
While the president prepared for his state banquet at Buckingham Palace, Trump took time out to tweet saying the trip was “going really well” and said the Royal Family have been “fantastic” - before continuing to talk about fake news.
He said: “London part of trip is going really well. The Queen and the entire Royal family have been fantastic. The relationship with the United Kingdom is very strong.
“Tremendous crowds of well wishers and people that love our Country. Haven’t seen any protests yet, but I’m sure the fake News will be working hard to find them. Great love all around. Also, big Trade Deal is possible once U.K. gets rid of the shackles. Already starting to talk!”
....Fake News will be working hard to find them. Great love all around. Also, big Trade Deal is possible once U.K. gets rid of the shackles. Already starting to talk!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2019
So, what did Trump and Prince Charles chat about?
The US President had tea with the Prince of Wales during the first day of his State visit.
There were no cameras inside - but our Political Correspondent Mikey Smith gave us his own take on what they could have chatted about.
And it goes a bit like this...
CHARLES: Welcome to Clarence House, Mr President.
TRUMP: Thank you Prince Clarence, you and your lovely wife Diana have a beautiful home.
So much nicer than that dump of a house I have to live in. Do you get Fox News here?
CHARLES: It’s Charles, Mr President. And… well, never mind. No we don’t have Fox News. How are you enjoying your visit to London so far?
TRUMP: Believe me, your majesty, this city is tremendous. But since the English people love me so much, I thought there’d be YUGE crowds on the street waiting to see me. Is Buckingham Palace in one of Sadiq Khan ’s ‘no-go areas?’
Protesters clash
Thousands of people have taken to the streets in protest of Trump’s visit, with others marching and showing their support for the President.
One image captured an anti-US President Donald Trump demonstrator attempting to wrestle a red “Make America Great Again” cap from a pro-Trump supporter.
In another, a supporter of Trump clashes with an anti-Trump protester outside Buckingham Palace.
US TV stopped to watch Trump meet Queen
American TV scheduling was reportedly halted in order to show the exact moment Trump met the Queen
According to Cassie Smedlie, press secretary at the National Republican Committee, said the special relationship between the US and UK was “absolutely” as important to the US as it is to the UK.
She said regular scheduled programming in the US was stopped “to break in to watch the greeting with the royal family” earlier, reports the BBC.
“It was a momentous occasion, seemed to be a very warm reception,” she said.
Inside palace
The Queen pictured leading trump through Buckingham Palace on the president’s state visit to the UK.
Trump and Melania were pictured appearing to share a joke with Charles and Camilla, who earlier greeted him at the palace.
Cost of Trump visit
Donald Trump’s state visit will be by far the most expensive in British history – costing taxpayers an estimated £40million in security costs.
The operation to protect the President and his entourage of at least 1,000 people includes policing the 250,000 protesters set to take to the streets to show their fury at the red carpet being rolled out for him.
Up to 10,000 officers will be drafted into Central London, leaving places across Britain without the “service they deserve”.
A security source said: “The cost of the state visit has ballooned in recent weeks to an estimate in excess of £40million.
“Police sources will be appealing to central government to meet the cost or forces will face being crippled by the massive dent to their budgets.”
Read the full story about the cost of Trump’s visit here