Eye-watering amount Donald Trump's last UK state visit cost taxpayers

Donald Trump will arrivein the UK tonight, with the Prince and Princess of Wales scheduled to greet him in Windsor tomorrow morning. The US President, who will be joined by Melania Trump, will then meet with King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Buckingham Palace recently announced that the public will not be able to greet the couple duringtheir UK state visit. Instead, engagements will be held within the grounds of the private Windsor estate.

The 79-year-old was first invited to the UK for an official state visit in 2019, which set British taxpayers back millions.

The trip cost an eye-watering £3.9 million [$5.3m] as security levels were ramped in order to protect the controversial President.

With the first visit taking place over six years ago, the amount is expected to exceed £5 million today.

Preparations were underway at the start of the week as a 7ft fence was seen erected around the entirety of Windsor Castle.

The high-level security in place comes after President Trump previously faced an attempted assassination last July - just days before he was to accept the Republican presidential nomination. And last week, right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead.

Speaking of the Princess of Wales, a source has claimed that both Donald and Melania were "thrilled" that the royal is taking on a huge role in their visit.

As reported by the Mail, a source has said: "The President and First Lady are thrilled that the Princess of Wales will play such a prominent role in their visit.

"The inclusion of Princess Kate in so many events during the state visit is an honour.

"The Trumps very much hoped she would be part of their visit, but nothing was confirmed until this week because of the princess's health situation."