A giant inflatable blimp depicting Donald Trump as a sneering baby in a nappy has flown outside the British parliament in London ahead of what is expected to be one of the city's largest protests against a foreign leader.
The six-metre high blimp was raised on Tuesday in Parliament Square. It is due to be airborne when Mr Trump holds talks with the outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May nearby in Downing Street.
Mr Trump and his wife Melania arrived on Monday for a three-day state visit - a pomp-laden affair that involved a banquet at Buckingham Palace on Monday evening.
Anti-Donald Trump protesters gather in London after the US president's arrival. Source: EPA
Leo Murray, 42, the co-creator of the blimp, said: "We're trying to remind the president how unwelcome he is in this country.
"We're also, in a light-hearted way, trying to articulate the strength of feeling against Donald Trump and his politics of hate," he said. "We want to put a smile on people's faces as well as make a serious point."
Around 100 activists counted down from 10 to one for the launch of the blimp, which was first used during Mr Trump's visit to London last year. It was tethered a few metres off the ground.
The Baby Trump Blimp flies over Parliament Square last year. The blimp is set for a return. Source: AP
The launch marked what is expected to be a day of protests across the country.
In central London the leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party will join tens of thousands in a "Carnival of Resistance" against the president.
A woman sits with an anti-Trump placard during a protest against Donald Trump's visit to the UK. Source: SIPA USA
Jeremy Corbyn, who will speak at the rally after snubbing Monday night's banquet at Buckingham Palace, said it was an "opportunity to stand in solidarity with those he's attacked in America, around the world and in our own country".
Among those taking part will be environmental activists, anti-racism campaigners and women's rights protesters.
Police will close the road directly outside Downing Street to protect the president and his family.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, centre left and US President Donald Trump during an earlier state dinner. Source: AP
In Britain, Mr Trump's ban on travel to the United States from several primarily Muslim countries, the decision to withdraw the United States from a global deal to combat climate change, and his criticism of British politicians have helped stoke opposition to his presidency.
The state dinner held in the president's honour was boycotted by several politicians, including the leader of Britain's Liberal Democrat party as well as Mr Corbyn and other senior Labour figures.
The US president's supporters said it was an insult to snub the leader of Britain's closest ally. But the demonstrators have received tactical support from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who has repeatedly clashed with the president and who gave permission to fly the blimp.
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip greet President Donald Trump and first lady Melania outside 10 Downing Street. Source: AP
Mr Trump called the mayor a "stone-cold loser" shortly before he arrived in Britain and has in the past accused him of failing to do enough to stop deadly terror attacks in London.
The president said he is "loved" in Britain despite the protests. He said he was closer to Britain than any other American leader, citing his mother's Scottish roots and the two golf courses he owns in the country.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, centre left and US President Donald Trump during an earlier state dinner. Source: AP
"Tremendous crowds of well wishers and people that love our country," Mr Trump said in a tweet on Monday.
"Haven't seen any protests yet, but I'm sure the Fake News will be working hard to find them. Great love all around."
The first day of Trump's visit was taken up with royal engagements and ceremonies.
The focus switches to business and politics on Tuesday.
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