Thames Valley Police make final preparations for Trump State visit
The US President will touch down in the UK Tuesday evening
US President Donald Trump will arrive to the UK in a few days with the implementation of high security measures by Thames Valley Police across Windsor rivers underway.
King Charles III will greet Trump and his wife, first lady Melania Trump, at Windsor castle with a state banquet and ceremonial welcome.
Water patrols and the closure of the River Thames at certain periods are a few of the controls put in place by the force, as well as a 24-hour policing operation. They are also prepared to potentially respond to a high threat incident.
Lyn Smith, Sergeant for the Marine Support Unit for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, said “We are ready for anything that will happen in, on or around the water.”
“The team are highly trained and our plans are in place so what we do on the water won't change.”
Alongside conducting high visibility patrols and searching, officers are pairing with the Environment Agency to ensure a safe event.
The unit also says the unpredictable weather forecast could cause some problems over the coming days.
“The challenge is going to be any weather that we incur. But we have the kit on board to keep us safe and be able to do what we need to do.”
Tasers, baton guns and rubber bullets are a few of the weapons police officers are permitted to carry during Trump’s trip.
The US President arrived for his initial state visit back in 2019, where thousands of people rallied to the streets to oppose his arrival. It’s expected this reception will return and the Stop Trump Coalition plan to continue their protests on the first day of his trip to Windsor Castle.