US President Donald Trump has formally accepted an invitation from King Charles III for a rare second state visit to the United Kingdom, Buckingham Palace has confirmed. The three-day visit, scheduled for September 17 to 19, will take place at Windsor Castle and include Queen Camilla and other senior members of the Royal Family.
President Trump will be accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump in what palace officials describe as an “unprecedented” move, as sitting presidents are rarely granted a second full state visit. Trump was previously hosted by Queen Elizabeth II during his first term in 2019.
The visit, originally discussed during an Oval Office meeting earlier this year between Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, is seen as part of broader efforts by the British government to reinforce ties with the United States and influence American policy on major issues such as the war in Ukraine and trade tariffs.
During that meeting, Trump described the invitation as a “great, great honour,” and expressed admiration for the royal family, saying: “I’m a friend of Charles. I have great respect for King Charles and the family—William. We really have a great respect for the family.”
With Buckingham Palace undergoing extensive renovations, the state visit will be centered at Windsor Castle. A full ceremonial welcome and a state banquet are expected in St George’s Hall, with participation from all senior royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, who reside on the castle grounds.
While Trump’s previous visit featured high-level meetings and ceremonial pageantry, tight security led to a scaled-down public schedule. A similar arrangement is expected this time, with few—if any—public-facing events.
Traditionally, visiting presidents address both Houses of Parliament, but this may not occur during Trump’s visit as the House of Commons will be in recess. However, the House of Lords will be in session, making a modified address possible.
The visit follows King Charles’s state trip to Canada earlier this year, which was widely interpreted as a gesture of solidarity after years of tension caused by Trump-era tariffs and tough rhetoric on trade.
Political analysts say the invitation signals the UK’s intention to solidify the so-called “special relationship” under Trump’s renewed presidency. Trump’s strong personal admiration for the British monarchy is seen as a useful channel for diplomatic engagement.
A prior opportunity to meet privately during Trump’s expected trip to Scotland this month was ruled out due to scheduling issues. The President is set to open a new golf course in Aberdeenshire during that trip, but will meet the monarch officially only during the September visit.
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