Former U.S. President Donald Trump has officially accepted an invitation from King Charles III for a rare second state visit to the United Kingdom, scheduled for 17–19 September. He will be accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump and hosted at Windsor Castle, as Buckingham Palace remains under renovation. Traditionally, second-term U.S. presidents are not extended full state visits, making this invitation highly unusual. Trump previously received a state welcome from Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.
While the complete itinerary is yet to be released, the visit will include standard ceremonial elements such as a formal welcome and a state banquet at St George’s Hall. Senior members of the Royal Family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, will participate. Security concerns will likely limit public engagements. As with his previous visit, Trump may avoid high-profile public appearances such as a procession along The Mall. Whether he will address members of Parliament is unclear, since the House of Commons will be in recess during his visit.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer personally delivered the invitation earlier this year during a White House meeting. The UK government hopes the state visit will support diplomatic efforts on key issues such as the war in Ukraine and U.S. tariffs on British exports. Trump has expressed admiration for the Royal Family, calling King Charles a “friend” and praising the monarchy. The visit underscores the continued strength of the UK-U.S. “special relationship” and offers the British government a chance to engage Trump on foreign policy and trade matters ahead of the next U.S. election.
