Donald Trump will make a second state visit to the UK this year, Buckingham Palace has confirmed, though diary complexities have scuppered plans for an initial informal meeting with King Charles.
A formal invitation from the King was hand-delivered to the White House by British representatives last week. Charles had suggested in a letter to Trump, handed over by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in February, that they might meet privately at Balmoral or Dumfries House before the state visit. However, due to diary clashes over the summer, this is not possible and formal planning has now begun.
A Buckingham Palace aide said: “His Majesty has known President Trump for many years and looks forward to hosting him and the first lady later this year.” Dates for the state visit are expected to be announced in due course, with September considered the most likely timing.
The Times reported that Starmer had overruled the King’s preference for a more gradual approach, expediting a full “bells and whistles” state visit to capitalise on Trump’s fascination with the royal family. The palace had hoped for a slower build-up amid concerns over Trump’s threats to make Canada the 51st US state.
Trump previously made a state visit in 2019, hosted by Queen Elizabeth II. While second-term presidents typically receive a tea or lunch at Windsor Castle, Trump is being granted an unprecedented second full state visit.
