US President Donald Trump will make a historic second state visit to the United Kingdom from September 17-19, 2023. This unprecedented invitation comes from King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who will host Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, at Windsor Castle. Buckingham Palace confirmed the details of the visit, marking a significant event in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
No US president has previously been invited for a second state visit, highlighting the uniqueness of this occasion. Trump first experienced the formalities of a state visit in 2019 during his initial term, when he was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II. The invitation for this second visit was hand-delivered by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a meeting at the White House in February. Trump expressed his gratitude, stating it was a “great, great honour,” and showed particular enthusiasm about staying at Windsor Castle, describing the experience as “really something.”
The planned visit aligns with a tradition for second-term US presidents, typically involving a tea or lunch with the British monarch, as seen in the cases of former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Starmer’s decision to extend the invitation is seen as an effort to maintain a close relationship with Trump, particularly in light of various policies that could affect the UK.
Despite the significance of the visit, it is anticipated that not all will welcome Trump with open arms. His previous visit was marked by protests, including the display of a large blimp depicting him as an angry orange baby near Parliament. Some members of Starmer’s Labour Party have voiced concerns about extending such an honour to Trump, especially considering his controversial support for Israel in its ongoing conflict in Gaza and his remarks regarding the sovereignty of allies like Canada and Greenland.
The upcoming visit may also pose challenges for King Charles, who serves as head of state for both the United Kingdom and Canada. Trump has suggested that Canada could become the 51st US state, a notion that runs counter to the Canadian government’s emphasis on its “unique identity” and “sovereignty.” In a speech to the Canadian Parliament earlier this year, King Charles echoed these sentiments, affirming that “The True North is indeed strong and free.”
State visits to the UK are highly esteemed by heads of state, featuring a full array of royal traditions. These include military reviews, carriage rides, and a lavish state banquet hosted by the monarch. As Trump prepares for this notable return, the event will undoubtedly capture public attention and scrutiny, both in the UK and beyond.
