Donald Trump reveals plans for a rare second UK state visit, saying King Charles is setting a September date
Donald Trump has claimed he will make a second state visit to the United Kingdom this September, in what would be an unprecedented return for a US president.
Speaking at the White House on Thursday night, Trump told reporters: “I was invited by the King and the country – great country,” before suggesting Buckingham Palace was “setting a date for September” for the event.
The revelation follows Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington in February, where he handed Trump a personal letter from King Charles III. Although there has been no official confirmation from the Palace or Downing Street, Trump’s remarks appear to confirm that preparations are already underway.
Trump, who was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019 during his first term in office, would be breaking with tradition if he returns in the same capacity. Past presidents who returned for a second term have typically met the monarch for tea or lunch at Windsor Castle, rather than receiving a full state welcome.
But this time, it seems the King is ready to make an exception. Trump described the planned event enthusiastically: “They’re going to do a second, as you know, a second fest… that’s what it is: a fest, and it’s beautiful, and it’s the first time it’s ever happened to one person.”
Embed from Getty Images“This is an honour… I’m a friend of Charles,” Trump continued. “I have great respect for King Charles and the family – William – we really just have a great respect for the family. And I think they’re setting a date for September.”
The invitation appears to stem from King Charles’s desire to deepen UK-US ties during a time of heightened economic tension. Washington and London are still locked in a trade dispute, and Starmer has made securing a trade deal with the US a priority for his premiership.
The King’s letter, shown by Trump to reporters during Starmer’s February visit, described the proposed meeting as “unprecedented” and “a valuable chance to plan a historic second state visit to the United Kingdom.”
It added: “Quite apart from this, presenting an opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, it would also offer a valuable chance to plan a historic second state visit… I know we will further enhance the special relationship between our two countries, of which we are both so proud.”
There are suggestions that the meeting could be held at Dumfries House or Balmoral in Scotland, both royal residences with personal significance to the King. Trump has his own deep ties to Scotland – his mother was born and raised on the Isle of Lewis in the Hebrides, and the president is set to open a new golf course in Aberdeenshire this year, named in her honour.
Sir Keir has previously hailed the invitation as “truly historic”, and it would mark a diplomatic coup for his government amid delicate trade negotiations with Washington.
