United States President Donald Trump meets with Queen Elizabeth, royal family

United States President Donald Trump and wife Melania have been greeted by Queen Elizabeth II after landing in the United Kingdom for the President's state visit.

The pair met with the royal family after arriving at Buckingham Palace by helicopter on Monday (local time), landing in the Queen's back garden.

Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, welcomed the Trumps before they met with the Queen at the palace's West Terrace. Guns were fired in the nearby Green Park to mark the occasion.

Both the President and the Queen could be seen smiling as they greeted each other.

Trump greets the Queen.
Trump greets the Queen. Photo credit: Getty
Trump greets the Queen.
Trump greets the Queen. Photo credit: Getty

President Trump was invited to inspect a group of bearskin-hatted guardsmen in the gardens during the ceremonial welcome. He walked with Prince Charles to meet with some of the soldiers and spoke with them at length.

The Queen introduced the President to members of her household, while the Trumps did the same with some of the senior members of their office and entourage. The President's daughter Ivanka, and son-in-law Jared Kushner, were also present at the palace.

As is customary, the Queen gave gifts to the Trumps. President Trump received an abridged version of Winston Churchill's book 'The Second World War' and a three-piece pen set, while Melania was given a silver box with a design similar to the Buckingham Palace's music room.

The guardsmen were reviewed by Trump.
The guardsmen were reviewed by Trump. Photo credit: Getty

After meeting, the group looked over royal artifacts relating to the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. Relics from Scotland were also shown; a nod to Trump's Scottish ancestry.

Trump and the Queen review artifacts.
Trump and the Queen review artifacts. Photo credit: Getty
Trump and the Queen review artifacts.
Trump and the Queen review artifacts. Photo credit: Getty

President Trump also laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey alongside Andrew, Duke of York, before heading to Clarence House to have tea with Prince Charles and Camilla.

Trump visited Westminster Abbey
Trump visited Westminster Abbey Photo credit: Getty
Trump went to have tea with Prince Charles.
Trump went to have tea with Prince Charles. Photo credit: Getty
Trump went to have tea with Prince Charles.
Trump went to have tea with Prince Charles. Photo credit: Getty

A state banquet for the President and his entourage will take place in the evening and will be overseen by the Queen at Buckingham Palace. It's believed to include around 170 guests.

The US President's visit has already caused controversy, with Trump firing shots at London Mayor Sadiq Khan before he had even touched down. Protesters have come together to try to disrupt the city and express their outrage that the Government had given the man a state visit.

This was encouraged by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who tweeted that Trump's visit was an "opportunity to stand in solidarity with those he's attacked in America".

Newshub / Reuters