Trump is returning to Britain for a rare second state visit—here’s why it matters

Trump last visited Britain as a sitting president in 2019, when Queen Elizabeth II welcomed him with a full display of royal ceremony

US President Donald Trump will make a two-day state visit to Britain from September 17 to 19, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Sunday, marking a rare second state visit for a US president. King Charles III will host Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle, continuing a tradition of royal engagement with American leaders—but in an unprecedented context, the New York Times reported.

A second invitation signals shifting diplomatic tone

According to Buckingham Palace, the invitation was formally extended last February by King Charles in a letter delivered personally by Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his official visit to the White House. “This has never happened before; this is unprecedented,” Starmer said at the time, highlighting the political and symbolic significance of a repeat state visit.

Trump last visited Britain as a sitting president in 2019, when Queen Elizabeth II welcomed him with a full display of royal ceremony, including a state banquet at Buckingham Palace and a military salute. The trip was a diplomatic milestone during his first term and a highlight of what Trump has frequently referred to as his “historic relationship” with the British monarchy.

A visit rich in symbolism—and tension

The upcoming trip comes amid Mr. Trump’s renewed efforts to reassert himself on the global stage during his second term. His visit to the United Kingdom follows a recent tour through Europe, where his presence at the G7 summit and bilateral meetings with leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron signalled his ongoing influence in transatlantic affairs.

However, tensions from his previous visit may still linger. In 2019, Trump drew criticism for launching a public feud with London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan just before landing in Britain, calling the mayor a “stone cold loser” and accusing him of poor leadership. Khan, who remains mayor, had earlier described Trump’s rhetoric as dangerously similar to that of “20th-century fascists,” adding that the president exemplified a growing global threat.

There has been little sign that their mutual antagonism has eased in the years since, and it remains unclear whether the mayor will play any role in the upcoming visit.

A low-key Parliament presence expected

Unlike other recent state visits—such as that of President Emmanuel Macron of France last week—Trump is unlikely to address Parliament during his time in Britain. Multiple British outlets have reported that Parliament will be out of session in late September due to the annual party conference season, a period when political leaders retreat to set agendas and rally their base.

That scheduling quirk may unintentionally highlight contrasts between Trump’s visit and Macron’s, during which the French president delivered a well-received address to lawmakers. Still, Trump’s team appears focused on the symbolism of the visit itself, especially given his long-running emphasis on restoring “strength and respect” to American diplomacy.

Windsor Castle to host once again

As with President Macron’s recent visit, Windsor Castle will serve as the main venue for Trump’s stay. Buckingham Palace, still undergoing major renovations, is not currently used to host overnight state guests.

The setting may evoke memories from Trump’s earlier visit with Queen Elizabeth II, which he fondly recalled in a recent interview. “She was fantastic,” Trump said, pointing to a coffee-table book of photographs of their time together. That visit, filled with royal pageantry, has become part of the political mythos Trump draws on when presenting his global stature to supporters at home.

As of now, no public address or press conference has been confirmed for the visit, but White House officials are expected to coordinate closely with Downing Street and the Royal Household to finalize the schedule in the coming weeks.