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The threat against Mr Trump is very real. The threat of assassination will be lower in the UK, but there is still a threat
US President Donald Trump's state visit this week will be one of the biggest security operations in the UK, after the killing of ally Charlie Kirk sparked fears of similar political violence.
A 24-hour operation will see Windsor Castle monitored from the skies by 55 drones, in a security campaign to rival even the King's Coronation two years ago.
His Majesty will host the US President and First Lady Melania for two days, during which time they will be given a ceremonial reception and a state banquet upon arrival on Tuesday.
Chris Phillips, the former head of the National Security Office for Counterterrorism, said the biggest risk to Mr. Trump is likely to be a close-range attack rather than a sniper, while stressing that every scenario must be eliminated.
He stressed that even a drone carrying a bomb is a possibility. Phillips added, “We don’t have a gun culture, but there are guns here.”
The flags will be used to block high points to stop a sniper attack, like the one on Charlie Kirk and the assassination attempt on Mr. Trump himself last year.
"Drones pose a new danger and the police will have anti-drone weapons in case one is used for a bomb attack. This President is disliked by so many people, there will certainly be demonstrations against him and this will create an additional difficulty for the police."
"Make no mistake, the threat against Mr Trump is very real. The threat of assassination will be lower in the UK, but there is still a threat," Phillips said.
Yesterday, police were seen checking drains near Windsor Castle and barricades were erected along the Long Walk in preparation for Mr Trump's arrival. Signs were put up banning drones.
The streets of Windsor are lined with Stars and Stripes flags and Union Jacks in a show of unity.
This is Mr. Trump's second state visit to the United Kingdom, an unprecedented gesture.
This visit comes after American conservative activist Mr. Kirk, 31, was shot dead at an event at Utah Valley University last week.
Trump, who said he was "filled with grief and anger" over his friend's killing, will attend his funeral on September 21.
The murder suspect, Tyler Robinson, 22, is being held in custody, while his motive is still publicly unknown.
The president has already faced two assassination attempts in the US and will bring his armored limousine called "The Beast", as well as helicopters and a motorcade.
For Mr. Trump's first state visit in 2019, it was estimated that he brought 1,000 staff members, including 150 Secret Service agents.
Thousands of people protested against him in London then, and more demonstrations are expected this time.
As a result, the first day of his trip will be entirely behind closed doors.
Police firearms commander Daniel Hatfield said "we've looked at everything from a low-threat incident to a high-threat incident, and as a result it's a very comprehensive security operation."
Police officers will also have access to equipment to deal with any chemical, biological and radiological attack.
The Prince and Princess of Wales will meet the Trump family on Wednesday morning at the Windsor Estate and will accompany them to meet the King and Queen for an open-air greeting.
Rehearsals took place yesterday at Wellington Barracks in London for the Guard of Honour to mark the arrival of the US President.
Trump will see a flypast by the UK and US Red Arrows and F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, as well as a military "Beating Retreat" ceremony.
The Trump family, the King and Queen, as well as William and Kate, will take part in a carriage procession through the estate towards the castle, but not through the city. / Adapted from The Sun /
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