WINDSOR, England (AP) — President Donald Trump relished the glow of a British royal spectacle as he opened a two-day state visit Wednesday, calling the hours of pageantry with King Charles III “one of the highest honors of my life” while also making time for a quiet tribute at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb.

Noting that he was “the first American president welcomed” to the U.K. for two state visits — and for any state visit at Windsor Castle — Trump told banquet guests that the experience was a "singular privilege" and one of the greatest honors of his life.

Wednesday night’s state dinner was particularly lavish. Hosted in Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Hall, the white-tie event saw Mr. Trump and several members of his administration mingling with British royalty and business leaders alike.

Hundreds of Windsor Castle staff prepare for Trump's presidential visit, featuring military honor guards, brass bands and a formal dinner with royal traditions.

While Donald and Melania Trump tried to put on a show of marital unity by holding hands as they arrived at Windsor Castle Wednesday, their sleeping arrangements during their overnight stay at the royal residence could bolster ongoing rumors and reports that the first couple “are effectively separated.”

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The latest: The Fed cut rates by a quarter point, the first time interest rates have been lowered this year. President Donald Trump led an ongoing pressure campaign to radically lower interest rates. The fired CDC director testified before Congress. A Republican who defied Trump announced his run for governor of Georgia.

Rupert Murdoch was a guest at Trump's UK state dinner despite a $10 billion lawsuit over a Wall Street Journal article about him and Jeffrey Epstein.