Trump Reportedly Wants to Ride Like The Queen on UK Visit

Trump’s Request Presents ‘Range of Fresh Headaches’ for UK

When Donald Trump visits the United Kingdom in October, he’s reportedly insisted upon making the journey to Buckingham Palace with Queen Elizabeth II in her gold-plated royal carriage.

“The White House has made it clear it regards the carriage procession down the Mall as an essential element of the itinerary for the visit,” The Times of London reported, “forcing security services to plan an unprecedented lockdown.”

According to the report, a source described the president’s desire to ride in the carriage, rather than the “bullet and bomb-proof car that was used by his predecessors,” as presenting “a range of fresh headaches.” President Obama, upon his visit in 2011, arrived via armored motorcade.

As The Hill reported, world leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at Buckingham Palace via carriage.

The Times pointed out however that President Xi Jinping arrived via a closed carriage rather than an open one, further citing a source that said “the security required by the Chinese president will be dwarfed by the operation necessitated for Mr. Trump.” The video below shows President Xi and Queen Elizabeth II’s processional:

“The vehicle which carries the president of the United States is a spectacular vehicle,” their source said. “It is designed to withstand a massive attack… If he is in a golden coach being dragged up the Mall by a couple of horses, the risk factor is dramatically increased.” 

London police officers are reportedly already preparing for Trump’s visit in October, expecting both supporters and protesters. In February, thousands of UK citizens protested outside of the British Parliament, as members of the House of Commons debated supporting an official visit from the president. 

 

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