U.S. President Donald Trump will make an unprecedented second state visit to Britain from September 17 to 19, hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Monday. This marks the first time a sitting U.S. president has received two official state visits from a British monarch.
Trump previously visited the U.K. in June 2019 during his first term, when the late Queen Elizabeth II hosted him at Buckingham Palace. During that visit, he had a private lunch with the Queen and tea with then-Prince Charles. This upcoming trip further solidifies Trump's evolving relationship with the British royal family and leadership under Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The second invitation reportedly followed a handwritten letter from King Charles delivered personally by Starmer to Trump in the Oval Office last month. Starmer and Trump, who have reportedly developed a warm relationship in recent months, are also expected to meet again in Scotland later this month.
Last month, the two leaders signed a framework trade agreement during the G7 summit, easing some U.S. tariffs on British imports. However, not all leaders support the invitation. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized the UK’s move, claiming it undercuts Canada’s unified stance against Trump's previous remarks about annexing Canadian territory.
Trump’s past visits have sparked widespread protests. His 2018 trip cost British police over £14 million due to large-scale security measures involving 10,000 officers. Polls indicate Trump remains unpopular among most Britons.
While official details of the itinerary are pending, state visits traditionally feature ceremonial fanfare, including a royal banquet and open-top carriage procession through central London—though this visit will be held at Windsor Castle.
This high-profile visit underscores Trump’s continued international influence and could shape future UK-U.S. relations.