That will change with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom this September. King Charles III has personally invited him on this momentous journey. Given that it is rare for second-term U.S. presidents to receive such an invitation, this visit to Asia is exceptional and historic even before it begins. The trip is set to include a private meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, showcasing the ongoing diplomatic ties between the two nations.
When we welcomed American presidents across the Atlantic in June 2019, Donald Trump took his first state visit. At Buckingham Palace, he had an extended audience with then-Prince Charles and reviewed a King’s Guard. The first state visit began with an unusual formal reception given by the Queen herself at Buckingham Palace. This particular affair displayed the royal family’s welcome hospitality.
This time, though, the typical host venue of Buckingham Palace is out of commission, as it goes through major renovations. Instead, King Charles will receive Trump at Windsor Castle, some 40 miles (60 kilometers) west of central London. They even extended an official invite for Trump to shake hands with King Charles back in June. Yet, as the summer loomed, misunderstandings and scheduling conflicts prevented them from pursuing in-person meetings.
Trump’s itinerary in the UK includes attending the opening of a new golf course at his Trump Turnberry resort in Ayrshire, Scotland. His other notable aspect, of course, is his tight geographic and historical ties to the region. He owns and operates this public golf course, keeping it a key component of his business interests.
Trump is expected to show up for the opening of the golf course. He is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Starmer during his private trip to Scotland later this month. The excitement leading up to this particular visit is indicative of the historical and current importance of the United States’ relationship with the United Kingdom.
“His Majesty has known President Trump for many years and looks forward to hosting him and the First Lady later this year,” – palace aide
Such was the caution surrounding Trump’s first state visit that many of the elevated security measures went unseen. Because of security threats, there was no public procession down The Mall in London during that trip. Instead, Trump came in by helicopter, highlighting the level of planning and precaution that must be taken around Trump’s events.
