As his helicopter whirred in the distance, tourists at Windsor poised their cameras in anticipation, ready to snap a picture of President Donald Trump.
There was just one problem: where was Trump?
Despite making a brief appearance in the form of a projection on the walls of the royal residence the night before, Trump was nowhere to be seen.
Perhaps he was having a lie-in, sleeping off the jet lag?
Just before midday, a slightly-damp crowd standing behind metal barriers broke into excited chatter as a chinook and two helicopters went past the King’s Gate.
On one of the narrow, cobbled streets opposite Windsor Castle, faded and frayed Union Jack bunting rattled in the wind.
The brief buzz died down and an anticlimactic air drifted in.
Streets lined with flags from home and away quickly quietened, with only the occasional noise of shuffling Maga hats.
“Why is everybody here if you’re not going to see him?”, one woman asked the group of hacks tentatively waiting on Castle Hill.
Though shop owners had hoped the historic state visit could be good for business, passers-by did not appear to bat an eyelid at the Paddington Bear stuffed toys clad in Union Jack flags, on offer for £27.99.
Not one but two elderly local residents passed through stone arches carrying a Waitrose bag, as if on their way to do a food shop.
Meanwhile, a souvenir shop owner remained shut to ensure he could carry out his weekly window cleaning.
A pitiful piece of A4 paper with a printed out crown was stuck to the windscreen of the coach bussing in the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms.
The skirted red coats offered a few seconds of the pomp and circumstance that would likely be on show inside the castle’s walls. Scarlet robes stood out against the grey clouds and slight drizzle. Even the weather appeared to get the memo on offering the true British experience.
The security operation was not without a hitch. According to one resident, there was a shortage of metal fence panels to be placed on the Long Walk in the days prior to the state visit. This meant at least eight wooden ones had to be brought last minute but, thankfully, Trump’s passion for walls was honoured.
With a state banquet taking place later today, the manager of Great British Fish And Chips, which is overlooked by Windsor Castle, offered up what he would serve the US President.
Chetin Ramadan, 65, said: “Ah it would have to be our speciality. Haddock fish and chips with tartare sauce. The Americans love that.
“Usually it would be £15, but we’d have to treat Trump for free because of course if Charles came we would give it to him.”
Meanwhile, a worker in the aptly-named Prince Harry pub described how he would expect a true British classic to be on the menu.
Wishing to remain anonymous, the young man added: “He could choke on it and I’d laugh but it is a positive thing for Windsor.
“I’d probably suggest a beef and ale pie.”
After today’s buttering up, political talks will be on tomorrow’s table. Will we see Trump play chess whilst Starmer plays Chequers?
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