Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to make a full state visit to the United Kingdom later this year, following scheduling conflicts that prevented an informal summer meeting
with King Charles.
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that a formal invitation—known as the Manu Regia—signed by the King, was delivered to the White House by British Embassy officials last week. While specific dates have not been announced, the visit is expected to take place in September.
Despite both men being expected in Scotland this summer—King Charles for his annual break and Trump for the opening of his new golf course in Aberdeenshire—no private meeting is planned before the official visit.
A Palace aide told the BBC, "His Majesty has known President Trump for many years and looks forward to hosting him and the First Lady later this year."
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner expressed Parliament’s support on Wednesday, saying: "We are really pleased the US president is coming for a second state visit."
Trump’s previous state visit to the UK took place in 2019, during his first term, when he was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Planning for this second official visit is now underway.
During a February visit to Washington, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer personally delivered a letter from King Charles to Trump. Traditionally, second-term U.S. presidents are not granted state visits but are instead invited for more informal meetings, often at Windsor Castle. However, the King’s letter proposed a more formal engagement, suggesting a meeting at either Balmoral or Dumfries House in Scotland.
Speaking in April, Trump commented: "They’re going to do a second... a fest... and it’s beautiful. It’s the first time it’s ever happened to one person. I’m a friend of Charles. I have great respect for King Charles and the family."
According to The Times, there were initial reservations at Buckingham Palace, reportedly due to concerns over Trump's past rhetoric toward Canada. A senior source claimed a Palace aide warned against rushing into a state visit while Trump was seen as "impugning [the King's] sovereignty" in relation to Canada. The Palace allegedly preferred to delay the invitation.
When asked whether Prime Minister Starmer had overridden the King's wishes in expediting the visit, a spokesperson for the PM said: "That is untrue." Photo by Office of White House Press Secretary, Wikimedia commons.