When US President Trump visits King Charles for his second state visit to the UK later this year, he will be staying at celebrity haunt Turnberry Hotel, favoured by Rod Stewart. The 78-year-old is also expected to meet with the chief royal at Balmoral Castle soon to discuss the plans.
Trump received the invitation from the king during a meeting at the White House in February, with Keir Starmer presenting the letter of welcome. Palace sources confirmed that such a missive had been issued for the visit, and discussions were continuing to find a suitable date and venue.
To be invited for a second state visit is an unusual move, as traditionally, second-term US presidents are normally invited for just a tea or lunch with the monarch at Windsor Castle. His first three-day state visit in 2019, which took place during his first term in office, was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
According to sources, King Charles’ initial letter suggested a meeting to discuss details of the second state visit, and Buckingham Palace is keen to bestow a rare honour on President Trump, one that has only been enjoyed by President Eisenhower – a visit to Balmoral.
The planning meeting between Trump and the King is expected to take place in July to coincide with the opening of a second 18-hole course at his Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire on the Menie estate. This is located around an hour’s drive from Balmoral.
However, because of Trump’s strong links to Scotland, his Scottish mother, Mary MacLeod, was born in Lewis, it is expected he will push for his second state visit to include Balmoral and Dumfries House in Ayrshire, south of Glasgow.
Speaking exclusively to the Express, a source said: “Trump is going to meet Charles at Balmoral in Scotland, not at Buckingham Palace. He’s also going to combine his state visit with some business and pleasure. The President owns a hotel and golf resort in Scotland called Turnberry.
“The golf course there has had some major refurbishments, and some of the holes have been moved around to make the course more enjoyable and picturesque. They’ve spent a few million pounds developing it, and Trump is going to fly in to officially reopen the course. His visit will do wonders for local tourism.”
The Express reached out to Buckingham Palace and the White House for comment.