US President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK this week offered an interesting reminder of how far US-European relations have come during his second administration compared with his first. The images from England were stunning: smartly dressed soldiers, a horse-drawn carriage procession, all the trappings of a state dinner glistening in gold, and with everything revolving around the US leader. In fact, Trump’s visit made history. He is the first elected leader to be hosted for two state visits to the UK.

US president and first lady greeted by Foreign Secretary after touching down at London Stansted Airport

The visit comes at a sensitive time for the UK, which plans to lay on a display of royal pageantry for the US president.