King Charles to Welcome Trump for Rare Second State Visit

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United States President Donald Trump is set to return to the United Kingdom this September for an extraordinary second state visit, hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. The three-day trip, confirmed by Buckingham Palace, underscores a deepening diplomatic relationship rarely extended to American leaders.

The visit, scheduled for September 17 to 19, will see President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump participate in a series of official events at the historic royal residence. Unlike recent state visits, including that of French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump will not address the British Parliament because the House of Commons will be in recess for party conferences. The House of Lords, however, will remain in session during the period.

According to Downing Street, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer personally delivered King Charles’s invitation earlier this year during a meeting at the White House in Washington.  As the two leaders met in the Oval Office, Sir Keir presented the letter, calling it “historic and unprecedented.” Trump responded by describing the invitation as a “great, great honor” and noted his appreciation for being hosted at Windsor.

Plans for a more informal gathering at Balmoral or Dumfries House in Scotland were ultimately shelved due to the challenge of aligning both the King’s and Trump’s schedules over the summer. Traditionally, second-term United States presidents who have already received a state welcome, such as George W. Bush and Barack Obama, have been invited only for private luncheons or teas with the monarch rather than a full ceremonial visit.

News of the upcoming trip follows King Charles’s message to Trump expressing his “profound sadness” after severe flooding killed more than 90 people in Texas during the July Fourth holiday weekend. Earlier this year, Trump conveyed his “best wishes” and hopes for the King’s recovery following a brief hospitalization tied to cancer treatment side effects.

The September visit comes shortly after King Charles hosted President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron for their state visit, which included a formal banquet, a carriage procession, and extensive ceremonial displays. While the current Labour administration under Sir Keir Starmer has focused on projecting a softer diplomatic tone, Trump’s return to the United Kingdom is likely to highlight enduring ties between Washington and London, regardless of changes in government leadership.