The US President visited the historic abbey to lay a wreath at the grave of the unknown soldier along with Prince Andrew. A wreath was laid in honour of the two World Wars and more recent conflicts, as is tradition with a state visit – President George W Bush laid a wreath in 2003 and President Obama in 2011. Standing at the grave, the President touched his hand on the wreath and kept his eyes closed during the prayer.
Mr and Mrs Trump bowed their heads during prayer for soldiers, peace, God’s grace — and prayer for good governance.
After the memorial was placed at the foot of the grave the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, recited a prayer for the visiting delegation.
In his prayer, the Dean of Westminster thanked God for the “peace and friendship” that binds the UK and the US.
He said: “Eternal God, fount and source of all authority and wisdom, hear our prayer for Elizabeth our Queen and for the President of the United States of America.
“Grant them as symbols of loyalty and unity for all their people; inspire their governments with vision, understanding and integrity; give to the nations’ legislatures and judiciaries wisdom and skill, imagination, and energy.”
The Dean also paid tribute to the Unknown Warrior as he stood next to the President and First Lady at the grave.
In what is being interpreted as a dig at Mr Trump’s presidency, the Dean’s prayer focused on governing with compassion, vision and integrity.
After prayers, Rev Hall took Mr Trump on a tour of the abbey, accompanied by Mrs Trump, daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner.
A solemn-looking Mr Trump marvelled at the age of the Abbey – after finding out it was built 1269 and will celebrate 750 years in 2019 – turning to Mrs Trump to relay the message.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders and adviser Kellyanne Conway also joined the tour.
More to follow…