Donald Trump to Receive Unprecedented Second UK State Visit Amid Royal Scheduling Conflicts
Donald Trump is set to make his second state visit to the United Kingdom later this year, but due to scheduling conflicts between King Charles and the US president, the two won't be able to meet informally over the summer months, sources say.
A formal invitation, known as the manu regia, hand-signed by King Charles, was personally delivered to the White House last week by representatives from the British embassy in Washington.
Earlier this year in February, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer handed Trump a private letter from the monarch during their Oval Office meeting. In that letter, Charles suggested an informal meeting at either Balmoral or Dumfries House in Scotland ahead of the official visit.
However, it has now been confirmed that due to diary clashes, that casual meeting won’t take place. Instead, formal planning for the high-profile state visit is now underway.
A Buckingham Palace official noted, "His Majesty has known President Trump for many years and is looking forward to welcoming him and the First Lady later this year."
Charles is scheduled to head to Scotland for his annual summer retreat, while Trump is expected to visit his newly developed second golf course in Aberdeenshire, which is launching this summer. Despite their overlapping presence in Scotland, sources say all parties are in agreement and understand the logistical hurdles preventing an earlier private meeting.
While the exact dates for the state visit have yet to be released, it's anticipated to take place in September.
According to The Times, Starmer is believed to have accelerated the state visit timeline—reportedly against the wishes of King Charles—due to concerns about Trump’s threats toward Canada. The paper claims that the Prime Minister bypassed a more gradual lead-up and opted for a lavish, full-scale visit in hopes of playing to Trump’s admiration for the royal family.
The report added that the Palace had been aiming for a more measured approach before a state-level welcome, particularly given Trump’s controversial remarks about potentially turning Canada into the 51st state.
This marks Trump’s second UK state visit, his first being in 2019, when he was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Typically, second-term presidents who have already had a state visit are simply invited for tea or lunch with the monarch at Windsor Castle, a precedent seen with both George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
However, Trump is set to receive an extraordinary honor—a second state visit, something that has never before been extended to a former or sitting US president.
Discription:
"Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set for an unprecedented second state visit to the UK later this year. Despite hopes for an informal meeting, scheduling conflicts with King Charles have shifted focus to a full ceremonial visit, expected in September."