Here they are and who is welcoming them? The media say Liam Fox (by name by nature), Secretary of State for International Trade. The media undermines the Constitution of the United Kingdom.
They belatedly go on to say “the Queen’s representative” is in the queue. He/she is a Lord in Waiting, Lord Lieutenant or Deputy that welcomes the American Head of State on behalf of our Queen before Liam Fox gets a word in. I remember Tony Blair was rather cross when he was prevented from meeting President Bush because some old boy arrived in an even older palace car (it sometimes broke down on the elevated section of the M4) to represent the Queen at Heathrow.
It’s not trivial. It is the bedrock of our imperfect democracy and it is sad that the media doesn’t recognise this. You may not like an hereditary monarchy, I do, but look at other countries whose leaders “elect” themselves for life. The United States to their credit allow Presidents to be elected for two terms – a vital safeguard. In the UK there is no limitation on serving as Prime Minister. So far Robert Walpole has done best, 1721 – 1742.
Now, how do you make President Trump think he’s having a (not) State Visit? Here’s a clue, and the band of the Irish Guards have done their bit.
Court Circular, 13th July 2018: Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst (Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Essex) was present at Stansted Airport, London, this afternoon upon the Arrival of The President of the United States of America and Mrs Trump and welcomed The President and Mrs Trump on behalf of The Queen.