Police say Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK will see a large policing operation led by drones in Windsor airspace.
King Charles will host the U.S. President and his wife Melania Trump at Windsor Castle from September 17-19, where they will be welcomed by the ceremony and entertained by the state banquet.
During the event, Berkshire will conduct an all-weather police operation, with temporary orders starting on September 16, with a temporary order that will limit airspace (at that time state-owned visits will be rehearsed until September 18.
Thames Valley police said during a drone demonstration at the Force Training Center in Sulhamstead, Berkshire on Monday that it means non-police drones and smaller aircraft cannot fly through the reserve.
The Trump Coalition will hold a massive demonstration in central London on the first day of its trip, with further protests planned near Windsor Castle.
Each police drone can fly to 120 meters (400 feet) and stay up late for 30 minutes at a time during the operation, replacing the drone takes off shortly before the end of this period to avoid losing coverage.
Officials said the DJI Matrice 30T model introduced during Monday’s demonstrations have been used daily by police, often as part of missing person inquiries and drug warrants.
“This is an important policing operation for us,” said Ch Insp Matthew Wilkinson of the Thames Valley Police Joint Operations Department.
“However, Thames Valley Police are proud to host these events and we have a good history of hosting these events for the royal family and the country.”
Asked about the scale of drone operations on the U.S. President’s state visit compared to other high-profile events, Wilkinson replied: “This is one of the larger events. It is consistent with other large-scale events we have played as a force.”
He said on the restricted airspace order: “Obviously, flying a drone in limited airspace is a crime and we will have the resources to deal with any of these invasions.
“In due course, we will have enough capacity,” he said, adding that during the event, the drone will act as “eyes in the sky.”
Trump will make his second state visit to the UK after 2019 – an unprecedented gesture to the U.S. president.
He went to England for the first time, with thousands of people opposing on the streets of London.
Health & Wellness Contributor
A wellness enthusiast and certified nutrition advisor, Meera covers everything from healthy living tips to medical breakthroughs. Her articles aim to inform and inspire readers to live better every day.
