LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Donald Trump hailed Queen Elizabeth II as a “great, great woman” as the British monarch threw a lavish banquet for the US president yesterday to kick off his three-day state visit.

The Trump dynasty sat down to a glittering dinner with the British royal family in the Buckingham Palace ballroom as the UK rolled out the red carpet.

Both Trump and the 93-year-old sovereign praised the common bond between Britain and the United States.

But the warmth was not shared all round, with mass protests planned for today, opposition political figures boycotting the banquet, and the trip starting with a spat between Trump and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Trump’s visit is centred on the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the liberation of Europe in World War II.

“As we honour our shared victory and heritage, we affirm the common values that will unite us long into future,” he said at the banquet.

“Freedom, sovereignty, self-determination, the rule of law and reverence for the rights given to us by almighty God.”

He said Queen Elizabeth was a “great, great woman… a constant symbol of these priceless traditions”, who embodied British “dignity, duty and patriotism”.

Queen Elizabeth said Britain and the United States had built post-war international institutions for “nations working together to safeguard a hard-won peace”.

The monarch said the two nations were united by their security, shared heritage, strong cultural links and strong economic ties.

“I am confident that our common values and shared interests will continue to unite us.”

The British sovereign earlier welcomed Trump and his wife Melania with a military guard of honour on a day filled with ceremony and personal touches.

The monarch hosted a private lunch for the couple and showed them the royal art collection, ahead of the glittering banquet.

Trump seemed to be enjoying the visit, taking to Twitter during his down time.

“London part of trip is going really well. The Queen and the entire royal family have been fantastic. The relationship with the United Kingdom is very strong,” he said.

“Haven’t seen any protests yet, but I’m sure the fake news will be working hard to find them. Great love all around.”

But the day began with controversy as, even before his plane touched down, the president lambasted Khan, who on Sunday revived their spat by comparing Trump to 20th-century fascists.

Trump, in return, called him a “stone cold loser” who had done a “terrible job” as London mayor.