President Trump is reportedly insisting on riding in a golden carriage during his official trip to the U.K. later this year.
President Trump is reportedly insisting on riding in Queen Elizabeth II’s royal carriage during his official trip to the U.K. later this year.
The Times of London reports that “The White House has made clear it regards the carriage procession down the Mall as an essential element of the itinerary for the visit currently planned for the second week of October, according to officials.”
While it is customary for visiting heads of state to have a formal procession from the Horse Guards Parade area to Buckingham Palace, not all have traveled in a carriage which is considered to be a less secure option, according to the Huffington Post.
For instance, in 2011, former President Obama arrived at the Palace in a highly fortified vehicle.
And two years ago, China’s leader Xi Jinping elected to be taken in a closed carriage for security purposes while Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto, in a separate visit, did ride in the Queen’s golden carriage.
Protecting Trump during his London visit is a key concern for authorities, with one source telling The Times, “If [Trump] is in a golden coach being dragged up the Mall by a couple of horses, the risk factor is dramatically increased.”
Adding to the risk is the expectation that a large crowd will be present to protest Trump’s visit.
People reports a White House spokesperson has since denied the Times’ report, calling it “completely false.” The person added, “We have not even begun working on details for this trip.”