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US President Donald Trump has received a formal invitation from King Charles III for a second state visit to the United Kingdom, a move considered “unprecedented” for a second-term US president. The invitation was presented to Trump by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during his recent trip to the White House, signaling an effort to strengthen the “special relationship” between the two nations.
Sir Keir, who has been actively cultivating a close relationship with Trump despite past criticisms, emphasized the “tremendous success” of Trump’s previous state visit in 2019. The Prime Minister conveyed that the King’s invitation was both “truly historic” and “unprecedented,” highlighting the unique nature of the offer.
Trump, upon receiving the letter in the Oval Office, readily accepted the invitation, expressing that it would be an “honour” to visit the “fantastic” country. He also spoke warmly of King Charles, describing him as a “beautiful man, a wonderful man.”
Traditionally, second-term US presidents are not offered state visits, typically receiving invitations for more informal engagements like tea or lunch with the monarch at Windsor Castle. The King’s invitation deviates from this protocol, adding significant weight to the visit’s diplomatic importance.
King Charles’ letter proposed a meeting to discuss the details of the state visit, suggesting either Dumfries House or Balmoral in Scotland as possible locations. Trump has strong connections to Scotland, as his mother was born and raised on the Hebridean island of Lewis. He also plans to open a new golf course in Aberdeenshire, named in honor of his mother, further solidifying his ties to the region.
The letter emphasized the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest and to plan a “historic second state visit” to the UK. The King expressed the desire to collaborate on the location and program content, aiming to further enhance the special relationship between the two countries. Trump, after showing the letter to the cameras, jokingly remarked that he would need to verify the authenticity of the King’s signature.
During a joint news conference, Trump indicated that a trade deal between the US and UK could materialize “very quickly,” potentially shielding the UK from tariffs that the president has been threatening to impose on other nations. Sir Keir announced that the two countries would begin work on a new economic deal centered on the potential of artificial intelligence, highlighting a focus on modern economic drivers.
Sir Keir also used the opportunity to influence Trump’s stance on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. He emphasized that a peace deal would require security guarantees from the US to prevent future Russian aggression. Trump suggested that a proposed deal with Ukraine involving access to critical minerals could serve as a “backstop,” signifying US involvement in the region.
The visit also touched upon other key issues. Trump affirmed that the US would “be inclined to go along” with the UK’s potential deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius, while maintaining the use of the Diego Garcia military airbase. Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the controversial deal would require US support to proceed.
Despite past disagreements, Sir Keir’s efforts to build a close relationship with Trump are evident throughout the visit. However, he did feel the need to correct the US president when Trump made an off-the-cuff remark about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky being a dictator, a statement Trump quickly retracted. The visit underscores the complex dynamics of the US-UK relationship, balancing strategic alliances with the need to address sensitive political issues.
