U.S. President Donald Trump is set to receive the full red-carpet treatment this week as he embarks on an unprecedented second UK state visit — becoming the first American president ever granted such an honor.
Arriving with First Lady Melania Trump on September 16, at the invitation of King Charles III, Trump’s visit will be steeped in royal pageantry. The itinerary includes a carriage procession, a military flyover, and a state banquet at Windsor Castle, underscoring Trump’s fascination with the British monarchy.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will seize the opportunity to deepen U.S.-UK ties, with talks expected to cover trade, tariffs, and the war in Ukraine. Despite political differences, Starmer has sought to maintain warm relations since Trump’s return to the White House in January.
“This is really special, this has never happened before, this is unprecedented,” Starmer said earlier this year when he personally delivered the King’s invitation to Trump.
Trump, meanwhile, described Charles — currently undergoing cancer treatment — as a “great, great gentleman.”
The visit reflects Britain’s push to reinforce its “special relationship” with Washington at a time when Trump is reshaping global alliances.
Royal engagements will kick off Wednesday, with Prince William and Princess Catherine welcoming the Trumps to Windsor. King Charles and Queen Camilla will then lead the ceremonial highlights, including a grand banquet. Trump will also pay a private visit to Queen Elizabeth II’s grave, recalling his first state visit in 2019.
On Thursday, focus will turn to politics at Chequers, where Trump and Starmer are expected to announce a “world-leading tech partnership” and a “major civil nuclear deal.” Ukraine will also feature prominently, with European leaders urging Trump to stay committed to Kyiv despite his warmer posture toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Meanwhile, Melania Trump will have a separate program with Queen Camilla and Princess Catherine, including a tour of the Queen Mary Dolls’ House and a youth scouting activity.
Still, the visit comes amid diplomatic strains. The White House confirmed Trump will press Starmer on free speech protections in the UK — a theme recently echoed by Elon Musk at a far-right event. Adding to tensions, Starmer last week dismissed Britain’s ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, over his ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein — a scandal that continues to shadow Trump domestically.
