President Donald Trump will make an unprecedented second state visit to the UK in September, where he will be hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, amid ongoing trade negotiations between the US and UK.

President Donald Trump will make an unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom this September, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Sunday. He will be accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump and hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.

Trump becomes the first American president ever to receive a second invitation for a state visit, underscoring the evolving relationship between London and Washington. His 2019 visit, hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II, marked his first official state trip to the UK. Unlike that occasion, however, Trump and the First Lady will not stay at Buckingham Palace, which is currently undergoing extensive renovations. Instead, Windsor Castle—approximately 30 miles west of London—will serve as the royal venue for the visit.

The invitation was formally extended in February by Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a visit to the White House. According to sources close to the matter, the decision to offer a second state visit was driven in part by the Labour government’s efforts to strengthen bilateral trade relations with the United States. Ongoing tariff negotiations, particularly those involving British steel and aerospace products, have been a key area of focus.

Speaking at the time, Trump expressed appreciation for the invitation, calling it a “great, great honour.” While previous state visits have typically seen returning U.S. presidents receive informal meetings or teas with the monarch, a full ceremonial state visit for a second term is without precedent.

Trump’s relationship with the British monarchy and political establishment has long been colourful. During his first term, he raised eyebrows by walking ahead of Queen Elizabeth II and weighing in on domestic issues such as Brexit and Conservative Party leadership. He also had a well-publicised feud with former London Mayor Sadiq Khan, whom he referred to as a “stone-cold loser.”

This upcoming visit may also carry geopolitical undertones. Trump has, on several occasions, made provocative remarks about Canada, suggesting the country should become the 51st U.S. state. These comments have reportedly caused concern within Commonwealth realms. In response, King Charles, who also serves as Canada’s head of state, used a recent address to Canadian Parliament to reaffirm the nation’s sovereignty, calling it a “critical moment” for the “strong and free” country.

As preparations for the visit begin, attention will now turn to whether the royal household and government can navigate Trump’s visit with the customary dignity and diplomatic sensitivity that state occasions demand. Meanwhile, critics have questioned the timing and motivations behind the invitation, citing Trump’s polarising legacy and his increasingly active role in reshaping global diplomatic norms.

Despite these concerns, Downing Street maintains that the visit is a valuable opportunity to showcase the enduring alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States—one steeped in tradition, but constantly adapting to the realities of modern geopolitics.