Donald Trump will get a full state visit with all the “bells and whistles” this year, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
While it is understood that King Charles III was originally preparing for a state visit next year—such visits take at least six months plan—Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reportedly pushed for the visit to be brought forward to 2025. The palace, which is preparing for the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron in July, will face pressure as it accommodates another formal meeting before the end of the year.
Sources close to the palace say the King had hoped planning could take place at a more relaxed pace. Trump reportedlywanted a full state visit to take place this year, instead of a brief photo opportunity with King Charles when he visits the UK later this summer. There were rumors that Trump, who is visiting Scotland in the summer, would visit the King during Charles’ summer holiday to Balmoral for an informal meeting. According to a palace aide, this was ruled out for logistical reasons.
Beyond the diary planning issues, the king, who is also Canada’s head of state, is aware of ongoing tensions over President Trump’s inflammatory comments about the country becoming America’s 51st state. Starmer, keen to curry favor with President Trump at such a volatile time for world politics, is said to have pushed for an earlier visit where the red carpet will be rolled out for the President and First Lady Melania Trump. The announcement will no doubt delight Trump who is an anglophile and great supporter of the British royals.
It is understood that the manu regia, the formal document required to initiate a state visit, was signed by the King and hand delivered to the White House last week. Buckingham Palace has yet to confirm dates for the visit, but it is likely to be September.
A spokesman for the King said, “His Majesty has known President Trump for many years and looks forward to hosting him and the first lady later this year.”
In May, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country was “not impressed” with Britain’s intent to host Trump again. It follows the King’s whirlwind visit to Canada last month where as head of state, King Charles delivered a speech at the opening of the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa during which he pointedly noted that “the True North is indeed strong and free.” He didn’t mention the names of anyone threatening that freedom.