LONDON: Four individuals were arrested on Tuesday after a series of images featuring US President Donald Trump alongside convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were projected onto the historic Windsor Castle, ahead of Trump’s upcoming state visit to Britain.
Also read: Trump files $15bn defamation lawsuit against New York Times
Trump arrived in the UK late on Tuesday for his second state visit, a rare honor that will see him hosted by King Charles at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. The visit is expected to include a day of formal ceremonies and celebrations at the royal residence, located about 25 miles west of London.
Earlier in the day, protesters unfurled a large banner near the castle featuring a photo of Trump and Epstein. Later, images of the two men were projected onto one of the castle’s towers, sparking controversy and drawing attention to the former president’s past associations with Epstein.
Police responded quickly, arresting four adults on suspicion of “malicious communications” following what they described as an “unauthorised projection” and a “public stunt.” The four individuals remain in custody.
The protest follows a recent public release of a birthday letter that Trump allegedly wrote to Epstein over two decades ago, which was made public by Democratic lawmakers on September 8. The White House has since denied the authenticity of the letter, but it was included in the projection, along with images of Epstein’s victims, news coverage of the case, and police reports.
This has reignited interest in the ties between Trump and Epstein, a relationship that has long been scrutinised since Epstein’s 2019 death in prison. Despite Trump’s calls for people to move past the matter, public curiosity about Epstein’s crimes and the people involved in his network remains high.
Also read: TikTok to stay in US after Trump announces deal with China
Trump, who knew Epstein before his presidency, has distanced himself from the financier in recent years, but the released letter reignites questions about their friendship. The letter, which reportedly features a conversation between Trump and Epstein, contains a friendly message in which Trump refers to Epstein as a “pal” and wishes him “another wonderful secret” day. The letter also includes a crude sketch of a naked woman.