A planned private meeting between US President Donald Trump and King Charles III has been shelved, paving the way for a full UK state visit to proceed.
The adjustment to the original invitation comes after sources describe the hurdle as scheduling complexities for both leaders, especially during the busy summer months. Despite the shift in plans, all parties – including Buckingham Palace, the UK government, and President Trump’s team – are said to have accepted the change with mutual understanding.
The visit is now being formally prepared as a full state occasion, marking a rare second such trip for a former US President.
While the exact date has yet to be confirmed, Buckingham Palace has acknowledged that the formal invitation – known as the manu regia – was hand-delivered last week to the White House by representatives from the British Embassy in Washington. The document, personally signed by Charles III, officially invites Mr. Trump and the First Lady for the anticipated autumn visit.
A Palace aide clarified that although there will be no summer meeting in Scotland as once anticipated, the King remains keen to host Mr. Trump later in the year. “His Majesty has known President Trump for many years and looks forward to hosting him and the First Lady later this year,” the aide noted.
The invitation was originally conveyed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his first official meeting with President Trump following the latter’s inauguration in January. At the time, Mr. Trump expressed enthusiasm, calling it an “honour” to be invited to the “fantastic” country.
Donald Trump was last welcomed to the UK for a State Visit in 2019. However, there will be one major change to his second State Visit – the location. Due to ongoing refurbishment works at Buckingham Palace, state visits have relocated to Windsor Castle.
Further details on Trump’s upcoming State Visit, including official dates and itinerary, are expected from Buckingham Palace in due course.
