LONDON — President Donald Trump is set for a full state visit to Britain later this year. This visit will proceed despite King Charles III’s earlier suggestion for an informal meeting during the summer while both are anticipated to be in Scotland. Scheduling conflicts for both the King and the President have put a halt to this initial idea, as reported by Britain’s Press Association.
A formal invitation for the state visit, known as the Manu Regia, was personally delivered to the White House by representatives of the British Embassy in Washington last week. This invitation sets up Trump’s unprecedented second state visit to the UK, a proposal first initiated by a letter from King Charles and conveyed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his visit to the White House in February. The exact date for this highly anticipated state visit is yet to be scheduled.
This planned visit is a strategic move by Starmer aimed at maintaining favorable relations with Trump amidst the latter’s America First policies, which are seen as potentially detrimental to the UK. The decision, however, stirs controversy in Britain. Particularly, some Labour Party lawmakers have raised objections, given Trump’s ongoing support of Israel’s war in Gaza and suggestions that could undermine the sovereignty of allies like Canada and Greenland.
Charles will encounter a unique diplomatic challenge during Trump’s visit, given his roles as head of state in both the UK and Canada. This complexity is underscored by Trump’s past remarks suggesting Canada should become the 51st state of the U.S. During a recent address to the Canadian parliament, King Charles underscored Canada’s “unique identity” and “sovereignty,” emphasizing “The True North is indeed strong and free.”
As a constitutional monarch, King Charles acts at the behest of the elected government when issuing state visit invitations. Nonetheless, these visits are highly prized by world leaders due to the royal pomp and protocol. Visiting heads of state are traditionally welcomed by the monarch, have the opportunity to inspect troops, partake in ceremonial carriage rides, and attend a grand state banquet in addition to engaging in high-level discussions with government officials.
Trump delighted in these ceremonials during his initial state visit in 2019, which was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Upon accepting the recent invitation, Trump praised Charles, referring to him as “a beautiful man, a wonderful man.” Reflecting on his familiarity with the King, Trump noted they had become well-acquainted during his first term and now, into the second.
Despite offering warm words, Trump did not accept Charles’ invitation for an informal summer meeting at a royal estate in Scotland, a usual retreat location for the King in August. It is anticipated that Trump will simultaneously visit his golf resorts in Scotland.
Charles’ preliminary invitation highlighted the potential for a significant discussion on various mutual interests, alongside planning for a historic second state visit, including decisions on “location and content.” However, The Times of London noted that Starmer advanced Trump’s visit to September, allegedly against the King’s preference for a more methodical buildup to the event, amid concerns about Trump’s interests in Canadian matters.
A spokesperson for Starmer disputed claims of any override of Buckingham Palace’s decisions, emphasizing the Prime Minister’s enthusiasm when extending the King’s invitation to Trump in February. Details of the visit remain under palace jurisdiction, yet Starmer’s team looks forward to hosting President Trump in the UK.