LONDON — U.S. President Donald Trump is set to embark on his second state visit to the United Kingdom, beginning Wednesday. The visit will feature a grand welcome, including a carriage ride with King Charles III and a state banquet at Windsor Castle. This event marks a significant diplomatic gesture aimed at maintaining strong U.S.-U.K. relations amid a sometimes contentious political climate.

The visit is accompanied by an extensive security operation designed to keep Trump away from potential protests and the general public. Polls indicate that Trump is unpopular among many Britons, prompting officials to take extraordinary measures to ensure his safety. The security arrangements are reportedly the largest since King Charles's coronation earlier this year.

Windsor police are on high alert for any incidents, especially following the recent shooting of Trump ally Charlie Kirk in Utah, which has raised concerns about political violence. The U.S. Secret Service will be armed while in the U.K., coordinating closely with British authorities.

Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt of Windsor's local police stated, "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."

In a departure from previous royal events, steel barricades will restrict public access to the Long Walk avenue leading to Windsor Castle, where Trump will stay overnight. The police have also implemented a temporary airspace ban and are conducting boat patrols on the River Thames to secure the area.

Trump's visit will include a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the prime minister's country estate, on Thursday. The two leaders are expected to discuss various topics, including trade agreements and geopolitical issues. The U.K. hopes to finalize a trade deal that includes significant investments in technology and civil nuclear energy.

During the state banquet, both Trump and King Charles will deliver speeches, with the King's remarks likely emphasizing shared values and international cooperation. David Dunn, a professor of international politics, noted that the content of these speeches will be closely scrutinized.

The visit comes at a time of political turmoil for Starmer, who recently dismissed the U.K. ambassador to the U.S. over ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Despite this, Starmer has sought to leverage his relationship with Trump to secure favorable trade terms.

In addition to the ceremonial aspects, the visit is expected to yield over $10 billion in business deals, including investments from major U.S. tech companies like Google and Microsoft. These investments are anticipated to create thousands of jobs in the U.K. and bolster the country's economy.

As Trump prepares for his visit, protests are planned in both Windsor and London, although he will largely remain out of public view. The decision to host him at Windsor Castle, away from central London, aims to minimize the impact of demonstrations that characterized his previous visit in 2019.