King Charles III is preparing to welcome President Donald Trump for an unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom from September 17-19, 2025. Buckingham Palace confirmed that Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will be hosted at Windsor Castle for the three-day visit, making Trump the first U.S. president in modern times to receive two state visits to Britain.
The invitation was personally delivered by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a White House meeting in February, when he presented Trump with a letter from King Charles. Starmer described the invitation as “unprecedented,” noting that traditionally second-term U.S. presidents are only offered tea or lunch with the monarch rather than a full state visit.
According to The Hill, British Ambassador to the United States Lord Peter Mandelson has assured that the visit will feature grand ceremonial elements. “The King is going to roll out the red carpet for President Trump,” Mandelson said in a recent interview with Breitbart News. “I think the entire thing is going to be very ceremonial, with lots of color, lots of pageantry.”
State visit to showcase ‘tremendous regard’ for Trump
Mandelson emphasized the significance of the venue choice, explaining that Windsor Castle holds special meaning for the Royal Family. “That shows, I think, the King’s tremendous regard for the President,” he told Breitbart. “But it’s going to be special, too, for another reason: It’s not going to be in London. It’s going to be in Windsor, at Windsor Castle, and the King and the Royal Family love that castle.”
The visit will include a ceremonial welcome and a state banquet in St. George’s Hall at Windsor Castle, with all senior members of the Royal Family expected to participate, including Prince William and Kate Middleton. The location was chosen because Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing extensive renovations, making Windsor Castle the preferred venue for state visits this year.
Trump’s first state visit to the UK occurred in June 2019 during his previous presidency, when he was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. The upcoming visit represents a significant diplomatic gesture, as the UK seeks to strengthen its relationship with the United States amid various global challenges. The timing of Trump’s visit has been carefully planned to coincide with the UK parliamentary recess, avoiding potential confrontations with lawmakers who have expressed opposition to the visit.
Trump has repeatedly expressed his admiration for the Royal Family, particularly King Charles, whom he has described as “a beautiful man” and “a wonderful man.” The President’s enthusiasm for royal protocol and pageantry is expected to make the September visit a significant diplomatic success for both nations, as King Charles continues to navigate complex international relationships during his reign.
Published: Sep 8, 2025 02:26 pm