A State Visit by Donald Trump has been talked about since he began his second term as US President just over a month ago and now it appears the start of the process is imminent.
It’s reported that Sir Keir Starmer’s forthcoming trip to Washington will see him issue an invitation to President Trump for another State Visit.
Donald Trump is a very public admirer of the Royal Family and recent weeks have seen increased talk about King Charles and Prince William taking a leading role in the US/ UK ‘special relationship’. A State Visit would be a crucial plank in that.
It would be an historic moment as it would make President Trump the first elected leader to be given two State Visits to the United Kingdom.
(Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead (Public Domain))
However, this time round he won’t be hosted at Buckingham Palace as that is now in the middle of renovation works and won’t be used for formal events again until at least 2027.
Windsor Castle has long been seen as the ideal location for a second Trump State Visit although some reports indicate that Balmoral has been discussed as a potential venue. However, its remoteness would make other parts of a State Visit extremely difficult to co-ordinate and the Mail on Sunday reports that plans are already underway for President Trump to address both Houses of Parliament this time round, meaning a venue close to the capital is necessary.
(Sky TV still/ fair use)
It’s also understood that plans continue to develop for a royal visit to the United States in the coming year. The Prince and Princess of Wales are in the spotlight for this one. Donald Trump was said to be greatly impressed by Prince William when the two met in Paris in December 2024.
The events planned to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Bill of Rights in 2026 could well lead to an invitation to the Royal Family being sent from the White House.
