Buckingham Palace confirmed that US President Donald Trump will undertake an unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom on 17-19 September, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
The invitation, hand-delivered by Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a February meeting at the White House, marks the first time a modern elected leader has received such an honour twice.
The three-day visit deliberately coincides with the House of Commons recess, which begins on 16 September, effectively sidestepping the contentious prospect of Trump addressing Parliament. This contrasts sharply with French President Emmanuel Macron, who last week delivered a speech to both houses urging Franco-British cooperation on European security.
Labour MP Kate Osborne had earlier tabled a parliamentary motion, signed by 20 lawmakers, arguing it would be “inappropriate for President Trump to address Parliament” due to his record on “misogynism, racism and xenophobia.”
The scheduling avoids a repeat of Trump’s 2019 visit, when then-Speaker John Bercow blocked a parliamentary address. Lord Ricketts, former UK ambassador to France, noted the recess provides a “diplomatic way” to circumvent potential protests or empty benches during any Trump appearance.
The itinerary excludes Buckingham Palace, which is under renovation, and ceremonial elements like a carriage procession down the Mall, though US security protocols also influenced this simplification.
Prime Minister Starmer framed the visit as “truly historic,” leveraging his rapport with Trump to shield UK interests from US trade tariffs. While tariffs up to 30% now target EU goods, Starmer secured exemptions for British aerospace and automotive sectors. Although steel exports remain under negotiation.
With Windsor Castle as the focal point, the monarchy’s role – particularly given Charles’s dual position as Canada’s head of state amid Trump’s past remarks about Canadian sovereignty – adds further diplomatic nuance.
