LONDON — Donald Trump will make a second official state visit to the United Kingdom this year, following a formal invitation extended by King Charles. Buckingham Palace confirmed the visit on Wednesday, calling it a continuation of long-standing diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The invitation was delivered last week to the White House by officials from the British embassy in Washington. The handwritten request, known as Manu Regia, signals the monarch’s personal commitment to the visit.
Trump’s return marks an unusual diplomatic gesture. Only a few U.S. presidents have received state invitations, and none in recent memory have been offered two. Trump’s first UK state visit took place in June 2019, hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The proposed visit follows a letter King Charles sent to Trump in February, delivered by the UK Prime Minister during a White House meeting. The monarch initially suggested an informal meeting with the former president in Scotland either at Balmoral Castle or Dumfries House before the official ceremonies. However, according to palace sources, scheduling conflicts have ruled out a summer meeting.
“The King has known President Trump for many years and looks forward to hosting him and the First Lady later this year,” a palace official said in a written statement.
Planning for the visit is underway, though no exact date has been set. September remains the likely month based on current discussions.
During his presidency, Trump’s 2019 visit included a ceremonial welcome at Buckingham Palace, meetings with senior royals, a state banquet, and events commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day. A second state visit is a diplomatic rarity; past presidents such as Barack Obama and George W. Bush received more casual invitations for tea or lunch during second terms.
The decision to offer Trump a formal return visit was supported by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his diplomatic outreach in Washington four months ago. Trump reportedly accepted the invitation without hesitation.
The visit comes at a tense time for global diplomacy, with heightened U.S. involvement in Middle East negotiations and increased defense cooperation among NATO allies. British officials see the visit as a reaffirmation of the U.S.-UK relationship, regardless of shifting political climates in either country.
