JULY 14 – Buckingham Palace has officially confirmed the dates for Donald Trump’s second state visit to the United Kingdom. President Donald Trump is set to be received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla during his official visit to the United Kingdom, scheduled from September 17 to 19, with the ceremonies and events taking place primarily at Windsor Castle.
Mr. Trump’s upcoming visit will be his second as a state guest in the UK, the first having taken place in 2019 when the late Queen Elizabeth II welcomed him at Buckingham Palace. This time, due to ongoing renovation works at the Palace, the more intimate and historic setting of Windsor Castle will serve as the main stage for the ceremonial reception and events.
Speculation about the visit had been circulating since April when Mr. Trump, during a casual moment at a press conference, mentioned his anticipation for what he described as a second “fest,” a reference many believed hinted at a forthcoming state visit. He also revealed that the invitation letter from the King had specified Windsor as the location, further cementing expectations about the setting.
While this is the second official state visit, Mr. Trump is no stranger to Windsor Castle. He previously visited the estate in 2018, where he met Queen Elizabeth II for tea. Although that visit did not carry the full ceremonial weight of a state visit, it included traditional elements such as the inspection of the Guard of Honour. This time, however, a formal and highly orchestrated schedule is expected, complete with military pageantry, banquets, and royal protocol.
According to Palace aides, more detailed plans for the three-day itinerary will be shared in the coming weeks, but it has already been confirmed that the King and Queen will serve as the official hosts at Windsor. Traditionally, such visits include a ceremonial welcome, a state banquet, and a private audience with the monarch. It remains to be seen which cultural or diplomatic events might be incorporated into Mr. Trump’s visit.
In an unusual twist, the president is not expected to address the UK Parliament during his stay. While such an address is typically extended to visiting heads of state, several factors have led to its omission this time. Notably, the House of Commons will be in recess beginning September 16 due to the annual party conference season. Although the House of Lords will still be in session, officials say that a parliamentary address is not currently part of the agenda.
Concerns had previously been raised among some Members of Parliament about offering Mr. Trump a platform within Westminster, a subject that has remained a point of debate in political circles. However, the scheduling conflict appears to have preempted any further controversy.
It has also come to light that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer personally delivered the King’s formal invitation to Mr. Trump earlier this year during a meeting at the White House. Mr. Trump reportedly expressed gratitude and described the opportunity as a “great, great honour.” He was especially enthused by the mention of Windsor Castle in the letter, calling it “really something” upon reading it.
Initially, there were discussions about the possibility of an informal meeting between the King and Mr. Trump at Balmoral Castle or Dumfries House in Scotland prior to the September visit. While those ideas were entertained by both parties, scheduling constraints ultimately made it impossible to include either location in the final itinerary.
This upcoming visit places Mr. Trump in a rare category of American leaders who have been offered multiple state visits to the UK. Although it is common for U.S. presidents serving a second term to meet the British monarch in a more modest setting like a lunch or afternoon tea at Windsor Castle, extending an invitation for a second official state visit is considered quite rare. Previous U.S. presidents such as George W. Bush and Barack Obama were welcomed to Windsor in this informal manner during their second terms, but without the elaborate ceremonial honors reserved for state visits.
Beyond the September visit, plans are also underway for Mr. Trump to travel to Scotland later this summer in a private capacity. He is expected to spend time at one or both of his golf properties located in Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire. This portion of the trip will involve significant coordination with local authorities due to the scale of security measures required. Reports suggest Police Scotland is preparing for a heightened presence, and assistance may be sought from other law enforcement units across the UK.
Downing Street has confirmed that while the Scottish leg of the trip will not include any formal diplomatic engagements, Prime Minister Starmer intends to accept Mr. Trump’s invitation to meet during his stay. A spokesperson clarified that “there will not be a formal bilateral meeting” but emphasized the Prime Minister’s willingness to maintain cordial communication.
As anticipation builds for the September state visit, royal watchers and political observers alike are watching closely to see how the events will unfold. The choice of Windsor Castle, the limited parliamentary involvement, and the historical precedent all contribute to the significance of this visit. For Mr. Trump, it represents not only a return to familiar ground but also a symbol of continued relevance on the international stage.
Further updates on the schedule and guest list are expected to be released by Buckingham Palace and the government in the coming weeks.