Protesters Gather Outside Windsor Castle During Trump State Banquet
On the evening of September 17, 2025, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla at a state banquet held at Windsor Castle. The event marked a significant diplomatic occasion between the United States and the United Kingdom, symbolizing ongoing ties between the two nations.
While the formal dinner proceeded inside the historic castle, a group of protesters gathered outside to express their opposition to President Trump. The demonstration, which some media outlets described as “massive,” was in fact relatively small compared to recent large-scale rallies in London.
Context of the Protest
The protest took place against the backdrop of a recent large rally held in London over the weekend, organized by Tommy Robinson, a controversial figure known for his far-right activism. That event, called “United the Kingdom,” reportedly drew tens of thousands of participants, with estimates ranging from 110,000 according to The Guardian to 150,000 as reported by the BBC. Robinson himself claimed attendance in the millions, though such numbers are widely considered inflated.
In contrast, the anti-Trump protest outside Windsor Castle was notably smaller. Video footage and eyewitness accounts suggest the crowd numbered in the low hundreds, with some observers estimating around 100 people. The protest featured signs made from corrugated cardboard, including messages such as “I’m an American in the U.K. Immigrants welcome. Trump not!”
Media Coverage and Public Reaction
The size of the protest became a point of discussion on social media and in some media outlets. Piers Morgan, a British television presenter and former journalist, publicly commented on the protest’s scale, using humor to highlight the disparity between reported and observed crowd sizes. Morgan tweeted sarcastically about the description of the protest as “massive,” accompanied by laughing emojis.
Some commentators criticized the BBC and other mainstream media for allegedly exaggerating crowd numbers, pointing to discrepancies between official estimates and on-the-ground observations. However, official crowd estimates from the London Metropolitan Police or the BBC regarding the protest outside Windsor Castle had not been released at the time of reporting.
Significance of the Protest
The protest reflects ongoing divisions in public opinion regarding President Trump’s policies and persona, both in the United States and internationally. While the United Kingdom has a longstanding diplomatic relationship with the U.S., American political figures often evoke strong reactions abroad.
The presence of a protest, even a modest one, outside a royal venue during a state banquet underscores the complex interplay between diplomacy, public sentiment, and media portrayal. It also highlights how political events in one country can resonate globally, influencing public discourse and activism elsewhere.
Looking Ahead
As President Trump continues his international engagements, public demonstrations and media scrutiny are likely to accompany his appearances. Understanding the scale and nature of such protests is important for accurately gauging public sentiment and maintaining informed dialogue.
Meanwhile, the state banquet at Windsor Castle remains a symbol of the enduring relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, reflecting shared history and mutual interests despite occasional political disagreements.
Source: Even Piers Morgan Calls Out ‘Massive’ Anti-Trump Protest Outside Windsor Castle
