London: On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump is set to arrive in the United Kingdom for a significant state visit, marking his second such visit to the country. This occasion is unprecedented as it comes under the reign of King Charles III, following an invitation extended by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during a meeting at the White House. The invitation aims to strengthen discussions around a UK-US trade deal, which Sir Keir described as "truly historic" and "unprecedented." Trump expressed his enthusiasm by calling the invitation a "great, great honour."
According to BBC, the visit is scheduled from Tuesday, September 16, to Thursday, September 18. During this time, President Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, will be hosted by King Charles at Windsor Castle. The visit comes shortly after Trump's four-day trip to Scotland, where he engaged with local politicians and visited his golf courses.
Upon their arrival in the UK, the Trumps will be welcomed by US Ambassador Warren Stephens and Viscount Hood, Lord-in-Waiting, representing the King. The royal reception will take place at Windsor Castle, where the Trumps will be greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales before a formal welcome by the King and Queen. A royal salute is planned at Windsor and the Tower of London, followed by a luncheon with members of the Royal Family. President Trump will also pay respects at St George's Chapel by laying a wreath on Queen Elizabeth II's tomb.
The visit will feature a flypast by UK and US F-35 military jets and the Red Arrows. A state banquet is planned for Wednesday evening at Windsor Castle, with speeches from both King Charles and President Trump. The president will then visit the prime minister's country house, Chequers, for a meeting with Sir Keir, where they will explore the Sir Winston Churchill archives and hold a press conference.
Meanwhile, Melania Trump will remain at Windsor Castle to explore the Royal Library and Queen Mary's Dolls House, a renowned miniature palace. She is also scheduled to meet Chief Scout Dwayne Fields alongside Catherine, who serves as joint president of the Scout Association. The presidential couple will reunite at Chequers before concluding their visit and returning to the United States.
King Charles, since his ascendancy in September 2022, has hosted numerous state visits from global leaders, including the French President, the Emir of Qatar, the Emperor of Japan, and the Korean President. The King and Queen Camilla have also embarked on state visits to countries such as France, Italy, Germany, Kenya, and Samoa.