United States resident Donald Trump is set to arrive in the United Kingdom late Tuesday for a rare state visit with his wife, Melania, at the invitation of King Charles III.
State visits, the highest form of diplomatic hospitality offered by Britain, are extended on the advice of the government to strengthen ties in areas such as trade, diplomacy, and cultural relations.
Trump’s trip is historic, as he becomes the first US president to be invited for a second state visit. His first, hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II, took place in 2019 during his first term in office.
The ceremonial programme will begin with a royal welcome at Windsor Castle, where King Charles III and Queen Camilla will greet the Trumps. The pageantry traditionally includes a carriage procession, inspection of the guard of honour, and a private lunch with the monarch.
The highlight will be a lavish state banquet, attended by around 150 guests chosen for their political, cultural, and economic connections.
Foreign leaders typically lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey and address parliament thereafter. However, Trump will not deliver an address, as lawmakers are currently away for their annual party conferences, a scheduling quirk that has raised speculation that the Labour government wanted to avoid the potential controversy of a Trump speech.
Speaking to the BBC in July, Trump dismissed the issue: “Let them have a good time. I want to have a good time and respect King Charles because he’s a great gentleman.”
The political portion of the visit will see Trump travel to Chequers, the prime minister’s official countryside residence, for talks with PM Keir Starmer. The two leaders are expected to attend a business reception before holding a joint press conference. Unlike his 2019 trip, Trump has no public engagements scheduled in London, where large protests are expected on Wednesday.
Recall that late Queen Elizabeth II previously hosted Trump at Buckingham Palace, but with renovations ongoing, this second visit will take place at Windsor Castle. Traditionally, second-term US presidents are invited only for private meetings with the monarch, such as tea or lunch, rather than full state visits. Barack Obama and George W. Bush followed this precedent.
Since ascending the throne in September 2022, King Charles III has hosted six state visits, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in November 2022, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in November 2023, Japanese Emperor Naruhito in June 2024, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in December 2024, and French President Emmanuel Macron in July 2025. Trump is now added to that exclusive list.
