LONDON — Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to make an unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom, where he will be hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle from September 17 to 19, 2025. This noteworthy visit was confirmed in a statement from Buckingham Palace issued on Monday.
The palace note stated, “The President of the United States of America, President Donald J. Trump, accompanied by the First Lady Mrs. Melania Trump, has accepted an invitation from His Majesty The King to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom from 17 September to 19 September 2025.” It further added, “His Majesty The King will host The President and Mrs. Trump at Windsor Castle.”
Timing of the visit and its implications
This visit coincides with a parliamentary recess, which may help to avoid potential diplomatic controversies. Members of Parliament, who tend to have varied opinions concerning Trump’s presidency, will be away from Westminster, with some attending their respective party conferences.
The invitation from King Charles was personally delivered to Trump by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a crucial meeting at the White House in February. Starmer described the upcoming state visit as “truly historic” and “unprecedented.” Typically, second-term presidents receive less formal invitations, often just for lunch or tea with the monarch, rather than a full state visit.
Controversy and opposition
However, not all members of the Labour Party are in favor of this visit. Labour MP Kate Osborne has recently urged House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle to prevent Trump from addressing Parliament. She submitted a parliamentary motion citing concerns over Trump’s history of “misogynism, racism and xenophobia,” which has garnered signatures from 20 lawmakers.
In stark contrast, French President Emmanuel Macron was welcomed to address British lawmakers during his own recent state visit, which highlights the contentious atmosphere surrounding Trump’s invitation. The House of Commons Speaker’s office indicated that any requests for addressing Parliament would be evaluated in the customary manner.