Donald Trump is set to make a full state visit to the United Kingdom later this year, Buckingham Palace has confirmed. The visit follows a formal invitation signed by King Charles III, delivered to the White House last week by representatives of the British Embassy in Washington.
While the exact dates have yet to be confirmed, September 2025 is currently considered the most likely timeframe for the high-profile visit.
This marks Trump’s second official UK state visit, following his 2019 visit hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II during his first term as U.S. President. The 2025 visit would be the first time a U.S. leader has been granted a second state visit, highlighting the deep diplomatic ties between the two nations.
“His Majesty has known President Trump for many years and looks forward to hosting him and the First Lady later this year,” a palace aide told the BBC.
Although Trump is expected to visit Scotland this summer to open a new golf course in Aberdeenshire, and the King traditionally retreats to Scotland during the same period, no informal summer meeting between the two will take place.
King Charles reportedly offered to discuss the state visit at either Dumfries House or Balmoral, reflecting Trump’s known ties to Scotland. However, both parties have agreed to reserve the engagement for the formal event later this year.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner welcomed the news, telling Parliament:
“We are really pleased the US president is coming for a second state visit.”
However, The Times reported internal discussions within Buckingham Palace, suggesting hesitation over the timing due to Trump’s recent remarks about Canada, which were viewed as challenging the King’s symbolic sovereignty as monarch of the Commonwealth realm.
The palace reportedly preferred a later date, but Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who delivered King Charles’ invitation to Trump during a White House visit in February, denied any suggestions of having overruled the monarch.
Speaking earlier this year, Trump described the planned event as an unprecedented honor:
“They’re going to do a second fest—it’s beautiful, and it’s the first time it’s ever happened for one person… I’m a friend of Charles. I have great respect for King Charles and the family.”
Formal planning is now underway, and expectations are high for a symbolic and diplomatic display between two of the world’s leading nations.