Buckingham Palace announced on Monday (July 14th) that U.S. President Trump will make his second state visit to the United Kingdom from September 17th to 19th. It is unprecedented for a U.S. President to be invited for two state visits to the UK. During the visit, King Charles III and Queen Camilla will host Trump at Windsor Castle.
The palace confirmed that Trump’s visit will last for three days, accompanied by his wife Melania Trump. Trump is a staunch supporter of the British royal family, especially of the King.
Never before has a U.S. President been invited for a second state visit to the UK. Trump enjoyed a grand state visit in 2019 during his first presidential term, hosted by King Charles’ mother, then Queen Elizabeth II.
The invitation for this state visit was extended by King Charles himself, and was delivered in person by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his meeting with Trump at the White House in February.
After reading the invitation letter, Trump expressed, “It’s a huge, huge honor,” and he was particularly thrilled about staying at Windsor Castle located west of London.
He said at the time, “This is just great.”
According to precedent, when a U.S. President visits the UK for a state visit during the second term after already having visited during the first term, the visit usually involves having afternoon tea or lunch with the King at Windsor Castle, similar to what former Presidents Bush and Obama experienced during their second terms.
State visits are ceremonial meetings between heads of state, meant to pay respects to friendly nations and sometimes used to ease tensions between rivals. While the official invitation for a state visit comes from the King, it is actually based on recommendations from the elected government.
This visit is seen as one of Starmer’s efforts to maintain a close relationship with Trump.
State visits to the UK are highly esteemed by world leaders as they come with full royal ceremonial, including a military parade, a carriage procession, and a grand banquet hosted by the King.
These events usually take place in and around Buckingham Palace in central London, however, due to extensive renovations at Buckingham Palace, the Trumps will be staying at Windsor Castle this time.
(Reference: Associated Press)