Historical Account of American Presidents Visiting Windsor Castle Over Time
Windsor Castle: A Historic Venue for Presidential Visits
Windsor Castle, a royal residence over 900 years old, has played host to several United States presidents over the years. The historic castle, located in Windsor, Berkshire, has been the setting for formal state banquets, diplomatic events, and more personal meetings between British monarchs and American heads of state.
One of the earliest recorded visits was in June 1982, when President Ronald Reagan met Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle. The visit included a horseback ride with the monarch, marking a unique moment in the castle's history.
In July 2018, Donald Trump and Melania Trump were welcomed for tea at Windsor Castle during their visit to the United Kingdom. This was followed by Trump's second state visit to the UK in September 2025, once again at Windsor Castle.
President Barack Obama visited Windsor Castle in April 2016 to mark Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday. Unlike diplomatic events, Obama's visit was more casual in nature. In 2021, President Joe Biden followed in Obama's footsteps, traveling to Windsor Castle following the G-7 summit in Cornwall.
The choice of Windsor Castle often indicates a more personal or friendly meeting between the British monarch and the U.S. head of state. For instance, during Biden's 2021 visit, he was received by Queen Elizabeth II in the Quadrangle, and later, Queen Elizabeth II hosted a traditional Guard of Honor and private tea at Windsor Castle for President Biden.
Interestingly, Windsor Castle has been less frequented by U.S. presidents compared to Buckingham Palace. However, apart from Donald Trump’s visits, there are no records of recent U.S. presidents who received an invitation to Windsor Castle but did not visit it.
The first U.S. president to stay overnight at Windsor Castle was Ronald Reagan, but the trip was almost cancelled due to scheduling issues related to astrology consultations. More recently, King Charles III hosted a guard of honor for President Biden in the quadrangle of Windsor Castle in July 2023, and two years later, in July 2023, Biden returned to Windsor Castle and met King Charles III.
Presidential visits to Windsor Castle have been marked by memorable moments. For example, during Obama's visit in 2016, Queen Elizabeth II was seen braving the rain to greet the president and First Lady Michelle Obama, an act captured by PBS.
As Windsor Castle continues to serve as a historic venue for state visits and personal meetings, it remains a testament to the enduring relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
