Donald Trump is set to receive red-carpet treatment this week during an unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom, as Britain uses royal pomp and ceremony to court the unpredictable U.S. president.
The visit will feature a carriage ride and flyover with King Charles III, a grand state banquet at Windsor Castle, and talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his country residence, focusing on trade, tariffs, and the Ukraine war.
To avoid protests, Trump’s schedule will keep him away from London, where large demonstrations are planned. Instead, the visit will emphasize royal pageantry, playing into Trump’s well-known admiration for the monarchy and his Scottish heritage.
Prince William and Princess Catherine will welcome Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, before King Charles and Queen Camilla host a lavish day of ceremonies, capped with a state banquet. Trump will also privately visit Queen Elizabeth II’s grave.
On the political front, Starmer aims to secure a U.S.–UK trade deal and announce new partnerships in technology and civil nuclear energy, while also pressing Trump to maintain support for Ukraine despite his perceived shift toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Melania Trump will have her own programme, including cultural and charitable events with Queen Camilla and Princess Catherine.
Despite the grandeur, tensions remain over issues such as free speech in the UK, which Trump plans to raise, and the lingering Jeffrey Epstein scandal that recently led to the dismissal of Britain’s ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson.
