Donald Trump has begun his controversial state visit to the UK.
The US President arrived in Britain with First Lady Melania for a three-day visit on Monday morning, which is expected to see widespread protests across London.
Trump issued one of his signature tweet storms before Air Force One even touched down, describing London Mayor Sadiq Khan as a “stone cold loser” after Khan used an op-ed article on Sunday to describe Trump as “a 21st Century fascist”.
Upon his arrival at Stansted Airport in Essex, Trump was greeted by British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who suggested the president’s argument with Khan was at the top of his mind.
Hunt, who is a candidate in the Tory leadership race, said Trump voiced his “strong views about the Mayor of London”.
But the former health secretary blamed Khan for the discord. “That spat started because the Mayor of London and other people in the Labour Party decided to boycott this visit and that [boycott] is inappropriate,” Hunt told Sky News.
Meanwhile, the first couple quickly departed Stansted for London, where they will stay at the US Ambassador’s residence, Winfield House, in Regent’s Park.
Just after midday, the Trumps will travel in Marine One, the official presidential helicopter, to Buckingham Palace, where they will be greeted by Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, before meeting the Queen.
At the same time, a series of gun salutes will take place in Green Park, just metres from the Palace, and the Tower of London, around 2.8 miles to the east.
Eighty-two rounds will be fired in Green Park, equal amounts for both Trump’s visit and the anniversary of the Queen’s 1953 coronation. While 103 rounds will be fired at the Tower.
The Trumps and senior royals will then observe a Guard of Honour which will give a royal salute before the American National Anthem is played.
The president, accompanied by Charles, will inspect the guard before the British national anthem is played.
Trump will then have a private lunch with the Queen and view a special exhibition of items of historical significance to the United States from the Royal Collection.
Later, accompanied by Prince Andrew, the Trumps will visit Westminster Abbey for a tour, and the president will lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.
Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to attend a state banquet hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace on Monday evening, where Trump and the monarch will make speeches.
Ahead of the trip, May said she was looking forward to building on the “strong and enduring ties” between the UK and US.
But Trump will be met by thousands of protesters in London on Tuesday amid numerous calls for his visit to be cancelled.