King Charles to host US President Donald Trump for full state visit to UK

The US President will visit the UK later this year

Donald Trump will embark on a state visit to the UK later this year following an official invitation from King Charles.

For some months now, reports have suggested the US President will travel across the pond to meet with the king.

In February, a letter from the king, 76, was delivered to Trump, 79, by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a meeting at the White House.

Trump previously enjoyed a state visit to the UK in 2019 hosted by Queen Elizabeth II. This second state visit is a break from tradition.

Typically, second-term US presidents who have already had a state visit are granted a more informal meeting with the monarch, such as tea or lunch at Windsor Castle.

However, due to their schedules, the king and Trump were unable to meet informally over the summer. Therefore, a full state visit to the UK will take place later this year.
King Charles has invited Donald Trump for a second state visit later this year (Credit: Cover Images)

King Charles to host Donald Trump for UK state visit

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that an invitation signed by the king was taken to the White House by representatives from the British Embassy in Washington this week.

Dates for Trump’s UK visit haven’t yet been confirmed. However, it’s said that September will be most likely.

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.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner told Parliament on Wednesday: “We are really pleased the US president is coming for a second state visit.”
Trump will visit the UK later this year (Credit: Ken Cedeno/POOL via CNP/INSTARimages.com)

King Charles’ letter to Trump

During his meeting with Starmer in February, Trump proudly displayed the letter from the king to cameras in the Oval Office.

In the letter, the king called a second state visit “unprecedented”.

After showing the letter, Trump had nothing but gushing words for the monarch.
Trump received the letter during his February visit with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Credit: Cover Images)

Donald Trump thanks King Charles over letter

Trump expressed his gratitude and admiration for King Charles. The president praised the monarch and the UK.

“It’s a very special place and [Starmer is] a special man,” he announced. “The United Kingdom is a wonderful country that I know very well, I’m there a lot.”

Confirming that he intends to accept the invitation, Trump added: “I’ll be going there, and we expect to see each other in the near future – we’ll be announcing it.”

King Charles’ invitation signals a notable departure from royal tradition. No US president has received an invitation for two state visits.

In January 2025, King Charles sent Trump a personal message of congratulations upon his inauguration.

This move hinted at his intention to maintain strong diplomatic ties with the White House.