US President Donald Trump left for a historic second state visit to Britain Tuesday -- but political controversies, wars and tariffs threatened to cloud the pomp and pageantry.

Britain is rolling out its royal family in a bid to woo the mercurial Trump, with security tight as protesters gear up to make their voices heard against the 79-year-old.

Trump, whose mother was Scottish and who has long been fascinated by the British monarchy, was full of praise for his "friend" King Charles III as he left Washington.

The Republican is the first US president to be invited for two state visits, after previously being hosted by Queen Elizabeth II during his last term in office in 2019.

"Charles, as you know, who's now king, is my friend," Trump told reporters at the White House before leaving han

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