“In an unprecedented move, President Donald Trump to make a second state visit to the UK at the invitation of King Charles” – President Donald Trump

“In an unprecedented move, President Donald Trump to make a second state visit to the UK at the invitation of King Charles” – President Donald Trump

London, July 14, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump will be making a second state visit to the United Kingdom from September 17 to 19, marking the first time in U.S. history that a president has received such an invitation twice. King Charles III and Queen Camilla will welcome him at Windsor Castle.

President Trump will be accompanied by his wife, Melania Trump, during this visit. Buckingham Palace confirmed the visit in an official statement.

Trump first visited Britain on a state visit in 2019 at the invitation of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The invitation for the upcoming visit was personally handed over to Trump at the White House last February by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Calling the invitation “an extraordinary honor,” Trump said, “The opportunity to stay at Windsor Castle is truly remarkable.”

Diplomatic Significance and Starmer’s Strategy

British political analysts see this visit as a strategic move by the Starmer government. By maintaining a cordial relationship with Trump, the UK appears to be shielding itself from the negative effects of some of his policies. As a result, the UK has so far avoided the harsh tariffs imposed by the U.S., which many other countries have been subjected to.

Although the state visit is formally extended by King Charles, it is arranged based on the advice of the elected government.

Controversy and Political Reactions

However, this visit, like the previous one, is unlikely to be welcomed by all. Trump’s 2019 visit sparked widespread protests, including a giant "angry baby Trump" balloon flown near Parliament.

This time, several Labour Party MPs have raised concerns, questioning the justification for granting state honors to a leader who has openly supported Israel’s war in Gaza and made provocative remarks about the sovereignty of Canada and Greenland.

A Balancing Act for King Charles

Trump recently stirred controversy by proposing that Canada be made the 51st U.S. state — a sensitive matter considering King Charles is also the head of state of Canada. In a speech to the Canadian Parliament in May, King Charles emphasized Canada’s “unique identity and sovereignty,” quoting their national anthem: “True North, strong and free.”

Military Parade and Royal Splendor

State visits in Britain are high-profile events marked by royal military parades, ceremonial processions, and state banquets. While such ceremonies typically take place at Buckingham Palace, due to ongoing renovations, the Trumps will be accommodated at Windsor Castle — the same venue where French President Macron and his wife stayed last week.