Trump Becomes First U.S. Leader to Receive Two State Visit Invitations from a British Monarch
Washington, D.C., February 28: In a historic move, King Charles III has extended an invitation to United States President Donald Trump for an official state visit to the United Kingdom, making him the first elected political leader in modern times to receive such an honor twice.
The invitation was personally delivered by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday. Handing over the letter from King Charles, Starmer expressed the significance of the invitation:
“This is a letter from His Majesty, the King. It’s an invitation for a second state visit. This is really special. This has never happened before. This is unprecedented.”
Touching Trump’s shoulder, Starmer added, “I think the last state visit was a tremendous success—this is truly historic.”
In response, Trump immediately accepted the invitation, stating:
“The answer is yes. We look forward to being there and honoring the King and really, honoring the country.”
Trump’s Ties with the British Royal Family
This upcoming visit to Windsor Castle marks Trump’s first state visit of his second term. During his first presidency, he met Queen Elizabeth II twice—in July 2018 and during an official state visit in June 2019. He also attended a NATO summit at Buckingham Palace in December 2019.
Since winning re-election in November 2024, Trump has maintained diplomatic ties with the British Royal Family. In December, as President-elect, he met Prince William in Paris after attending the Notre Dame Cathedral reopening. He later praised King Charles for “fighting very hard” amid his battle with cancer.
A Royal Welcome at Windsor Castle
The state visit will take place at Windsor Castle, the official residence of the British monarch in Berkshire. The historic castle, known for hosting royal events and state ceremonies, was also the venue for Trump’s previous 2018 meeting with Queen Elizabeth II.
The White House confirmed the invitation on social media, posting on X:
“President Donald J. Trump, responding to an invitation from King Charles for a second state visit: ‘We look forward to being there and honoring the King, honoring the country.’ @Keir_Starmer.”
With U.S.-UK relations under renewed focus, Trump’s upcoming state visit will be a diplomatic milestone, strengthening transatlantic ties and marking a historic moment in U.S.-British relations.
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Donald Trump UK Visit, King Charles State Visit, US-UK Relations, Windsor Castle, Royal Family, Keir Starmer, British Monarchy, Trump and King Charles, White House News, Political Diplomacy