In photos: Queen Elizabeth II welcomes President Trump and the First Lady From Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump kicked off their State Visit to the United Kingdom with a trip to some of the U.K.’s most significant landmarks. The historic visit began with a royal welcome as Marine One landed on the lawn of Buckingham Palace, where Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, greeted the President and First Lady. Queen Elizabeth II welcomed President Trump with a handshake at the top of the palace stairs. This week’s trip reflects the special relationship between America and Great Britain, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of D-Day. On June 6, 1944, the Allied forces landed on Omaha Beach in France in the largest land, air, and sea invasion in military history. Thousands of soldiers from both nations lost their lives, but their courage led to victory in World War II—and thus changed the course of history. Commemorating this shared sacrifice, British armed forces played an important role in today’s ceremonies. After the performances of both the American and British national anthems, President Trump accompanied Prince Charles for a traditional inspection of the uniformed Guard of Honor. At Westminster Abbey, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, served as a guide through the church’s historic halls. While inside, the President and First Lady stopped to lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior. Set in the central aisle of the Abbey, the tomb represents all those who died in service but have no known grave, much like Arlington National Cemetery’s own Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This evening, Queen Elizabeth concluded the day’s busy schedule of events with an official State Banquet. From Buckingham Palace's ballroom, members of the Royal Family—along with some 170 guests—welcomed America’s First Family. In photos: President Trump and the First Lady arrive at Buckingham Palace. Watch: Queen Elizabeth leads a tour through the Royal Collection display

Honoring the victims of Virginia Beach On Friday afternoon, America mourned the loss of 12 souls after a gunman opened fire in a senseless act of violence at a municipal building in Virginia Beach, Virginia. “Our Nation grieves with those affected by the tragic shooting,” President Trump said in a Proclamation for the victims. “Americans unite in praying for God to comfort the injured and heal the wounded.” In honor of those victims, he also ordered the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff at the White House and other public grounds. Read President Trump’s Proclamation.

Photo of the Day

Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead

President Trump and Queen Elizabeth tour the Royal Collection of American items in the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace in London | June 3, 2019