Out of town pool report #1 - Windsor Castle

Good morning from Windsor Castle, where Britain has rolled out the most British, overcast, grey sky possible. It’s 63F / 17C and ground is damp but so fair rain holding off.

Pool has been swept and is now holding in a building inside the castle complex. On the drive in, we passed the playing fields of Eton College, while there were US and UK flags on lampposts along Windsor high street. Light crowds and one person holding a flagpole with British and Israeli flags. The royal standard is flying above the castle, indicating that the king is in residence.

Just a reminder that we are not yet with POTUS and FLOTUS, who stayed the night at the US ambassador’s residence in Winfield House, London. FPPO we do not expect to see them land at Windsor and we are told our first sight of them is likely to be on their carriage ride through Windsor Estate. WH says they will inform us about both their departure from Winfield House and wheels down here, but you may well see those events first on TV.

In case useful, here’s the program we have so far:

12.20pm: Arrival ceremony (pool). Prince William and Catherine will greet the Trumps at Windsor Castle grounds, accompany Trumps to meet King Charles III and Queen Camilla, royal salute fired from East Lawn, followed by carriage procession through Windsor Estate to castle.

1.05pm: Private luncheon (closed press)

3.00pm: St George’s chapel and wreath laying at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II (pool)

4.25pm: Beating retreat military ceremony, followed by flypast by F-35s and Red Arrows. (pool)

8.30pm: State Banquet (restricted photo pool)

Please reach out if any questions.

Danny Kemp

AFP White House correspondent