UK to Host Trump for Rare Second State Visit in September

The United Kingdom is set to welcome US President Donald Trump for an unprecedented second state visit from September 17 to September 19, 2024. Buckingham Palace confirmed the visit on July 14, announcing that Trump will be the guest of King Charles III at Windsor Castle. This invitation marks a significant diplomatic gesture, as no other foreign leader has received a second state visit to the UK.

Details of the Invitation

Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, accepted a personal invitation from King Charles, which was delivered by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a February visit to Washington. Starmer described the invitation as a “very great honour” for both Trump and the UK, expressing the historic nature of the visit.

“This is really special, this has never happened before, this is unprecedented,” Starmer stated while presenting the letter in the Oval Office. The visit is expected to strengthen ties between the US and the UK, particularly in light of ongoing trade negotiations.

Security and Public Response

Security measures for the visit will be extensive, especially given the protests that accompanied Trump’s first state visit in 2019. The Stop Trump Coalition has already announced plans for a major demonstration in London on September 17. A recent YouGov poll indicated that 78 percent of Britons surveyed hold a negative view of Trump, with only 16 percent expressing a positive opinion.

While King Charles initially preferred to delay a second visit until later in Trump’s term, Starmer’s administration has expedited plans for a “full bells and whistles” visit. The ceremonial welcome is expected to mirror that given to French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited earlier this year.

Trump’s Scottish Connection

In addition to his engagements in England, Trump is anticipated to visit Scotland, where he owns two golf resorts. This visit will take place in a private capacity, and arrangements are already underway for meetings with local officials, including Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney. Security details for this leg of the trip will be coordinated by Police Scotland.

The diplomatic landscape may be complicated by rising tensions between the US and Canada, where Trump has threatened to impose a 35 percent tariff on Canadian imports starting August 1. Given that King Charles also serves as the head of state for Canada, he may find himself in a challenging position amidst this escalating rhetoric.

During a previous meeting with Starmer, Trump expressed admiration for King Charles, stating, “He’s a beautiful man, a wonderful man — I’ve gotten to know him very well, actually.” This connection may play a role in shaping the tone of the upcoming visit.

No Parliamentary Address Planned

Unlike Macron, who addressed the British parliament during his visit, Trump is not expected to deliver a speech to lawmakers as parliament will be in recess during his stay. Formal details regarding the upcoming state visit are still to be announced, but a ceremonial welcome similar to that of Macron is anticipated.

This upcoming state visit underscores a unique moment in UK-US relations, as both nations seek to navigate complex political landscapes while reinforcing historical ties. As September approaches, all eyes will be on the preparations surrounding this notable occasion.