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By Gabe Whisnant
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On Thursday, President Donald Trump accepted an invitation from King Charles to visit Great Britain for a state visit.
The hand-written letter from the monarch was delivered by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he arrived at the White House on Thursday. Starmer called what would be Trump's second state visit to the country "really special" and "unprecedented."
"I am honored by this invitation and look forward to strengthening the special relationship between our nations." He also praised King Charles, describing him as "a wonderful leader and friend."
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Why It Matters
During his first term, Trump was welcomed by Queen Elizabeth II for a three-day state visit in June 2019, where he attended a lavish state banquet, had a private lunch with the Queen, and met Prince Charles, then heir to the throne, for tea.
That visit placed Trump in an exclusive group of U.S. presidents—only Barack Obama and George W. Bush were granted official state visits to Britain during Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign.
Trump's 2019 state visit was the last of more than 110 such events hosted by Queen Elizabeth II before her death in September 2022. That visit sparked controversy as he was widely seen as breaking royal protocol, failing to bow to the Queen and walking in front of her while inspecting a military guard.
In July 2018, Trump made his first official visit to the United Kingdom, which, while not a state visit, included significant engagements with British leadership and the royal family. Upon arrival, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were welcomed at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, where they attended a black-tie dinner hosted by Prime Minister Theresa May. The event was designed to celebrate the strong business ties between the U.S. and the UK.
What To Know
No date has been set for Trump's next visit to England.
According to reported transcriptions of the letter, King Charles suggested a meeting in advance to discuss the details of the state visit at either Dumfries House or Balmoral, both located in Scotland, a country with personal significance to Trump.
Trump's mother was born and raised on the Hebridean island of Lewis, and he has longstanding ties to Scotland. This year, he plans to open a second golf course in Aberdeenshire.
The letter from King Charles, which Trump showed to the cameras, read: "Quite apart from this presenting an opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, it would also offer a valuable chance to plan a historic second state visit to the United Kingdom.
"As you will know this is unprecedented by a US president. That is why I would find it helpful for us to be able to discuss, together, a range of options for location and programme content.
"In so doing, working together, I know we will further enhance the special relationship between our two countries of which we are both so proud."
Trump joked that he would have to check if the signature was real and admired the monarch's signature.
"I think the last state visit was a tremendous success. His majesty the King wants to make this even better than that, so this is truly historic," Starmer said.
"The answer is yes," Trump responded, telling Starmer that he would attend with first lady Melania Trump.
"I am honored by this invitation and look forward to strengthening the special relationship between our nations." He also praised King Charles, describing him as "a wonderful leader and friend."
Trump also praised
Prime Minister Starmer highlighted the significance of the invitation, noting, "This state visit underscores the enduring bond between the United Kingdom and the United States. We anticipate discussions on a range of mutual interests, including trade, security, and global cooperation."
"This is a very special letter," Starmer said.
Starmer's visit to the White House is aimed to strengthen the "special relationship" between the allies by addressing key global and economic issues. A primary focus was reaffirming transatlantic ties, emphasizing the importance of close cooperation on security, trade and diplomacy. Starmer also sought to secure continued U.S. support for Ukraine, discussing strategies for a sustainable peace agreement with Russia.
Trump also praised Starmer, referring to him as "a special man," and expressed enthusiasm about the planned visit.
What Happens Next
Both of Trump's visits to Britain drew large protests. His 2018 trip alone cost British police over £14 million (approximately $18 million USD), requiring the deployment of 10,000 officers from across the country.
This is a developing news story and will be updated as more information is available.
Update: 2/27/25, 1:44 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update: 2/27/25, 2:39 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update: 2/27/25, 2:55 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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