Donald Trump's visit divides the crowds at Buckingham Palace

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Reuters

Donald Trump and the Queen may come from different worlds, but few people would deny at least that they share an appreciation of fantasy – and this was not lacking when the President of the United States arrived at Buckingham Palace.

After the changing of the guard, Mr Trump's helicopter – Marine One – swept the dust of nearby Green Park, eagerly followed by a Mexican wave of smartphones among the crowd below.

The American leader is a man who inspires strong opinions from all sides – and this was evident in central London on the first day of his trip to the UK.

"It's our first time in London," said Laura Curri, visiting the UK with her Florida family. "We heard that Trump was going to be at the palace and we are big fans so we went down."

Her husband, John Curri, hopes that this visit will lead to "more unity" between the United States and the United Kingdom.

"You are leaders here and we are leaders in our part of the world – this visit should make us both stronger," he said.

When asked if he thought the president was misunderstood in the UK, Mr. Curri told the BBC: "People want honesty and strong leadership. It's happening, people are scared – but they are here to stay. "

And it was not just British visitors who saw the benefits of Mr. Trump's visit.

Spouses Tony and Jennifer Holdcroft, who describe themselves as "proud Brexiteers," said they traveled from Stoke-on-Trent "to greet the president and fight the protesters."

"We think he's a brilliant man," said Mrs. Holdcroft. "He speaks frankly, he is firm and he takes care of his own people.

"This visit is about the friendship we have had for years and the maintenance of the alliance."

Mr. Holdcroft added, "At the end of the day, why should not he come?" All those people who reject him make fun of our queen because she is the one who invited her.

"He was invited as president of America, not as Donald Trump."

While Mr. Trump was received by the Queen inside the palace, 100 meters away – in Green Park – the Royal Horse Artillery troupe began making its own demonstration.

With the first deafening strike of ceremonial weapons, those waiting in front of Buckingham Palace rushed forward, telephones stretched out in front of them, trying to capture the scene.

However, not everyone shared the excitement.

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AFP

Abdulkadar Alzuabi, who came from Manchester to protest Mr. Trump's visit, said: "I do not think the UK should listen to it, we are different from it in this country.

"In this country, if you are British, if you are a refugee, if you are black or white, if you are European or Arab, you are equal.

"He's trying to use his influence to change the situation in the UK We should not listen to him."

Auriel Granville – disguised as a Statue of Liberty – had made the trip a little shorter from Wimbledon in South London, but was just as concerned about the American president.

"I do not think it should be received that way," she said. "Climate change should be at the top of our agenda and Donald Trump is a climate change denier.

"He does not listen to scientists, who all say that it is the result of human activities."

She added, "He's doing so much damage."

If anyone had thought that Mr. Trump could soften some of his more unusual diplomacy styles during the three-day visit, they got started as early as Monday morning.

Moments before Air Force One's arrival at Stansted, Trump released two tweets criticizing London Mayor Sadiq Khan, calling him a "crazy loser."

While some around the palace were supporting Mr. Trump, a Londoner was so angry that she had decided to protest.

Jill Gillard, who emigrated from South Africa to the UK in 1979, said: "I had not intended to come today, but I have saw his tweet about Sadiq Khan and I thought, "No, that's too much. "

"These are people like Sadiq Khan who have made me feel welcome in this country and I am very sensitive to the rudeness of a man who has no idea of ​​our mode of life here, and that I've been very proud to kiss. "