King Charles III and the British government have announced they are working on a momentous state dinner, a historical event in honor of US President Donald Trump.
It will be a unique and unprecedented moment for the monarchy, as it will be the first time in history that a president will receive two state visits from the Royal Family.
King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and presumably Kate Middleton will host Trump at Buckingham Palace if her health permits.
It is not yet known if first lady Melania Trump will accompany him.
According to The Telegraph, Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer uses Donald Trump’s well-documented fascination with the Royal Family to forge a relationship that will benefit the UK.
The outlet explained: “Number 10 and the Foreign Office are preparing to offer the incoming US president an invitation once he is back in the White House, with the backing of Buckingham Palace. It is proof of an emerging strategy from Sir Keir Starmer to use Mr Trump’sTrump’s fascination with the Monarchy to strike up a strong personal relationship that benefits the UK.”
Officials at Buckingham Palace revealed that Trump will receive his invitation in 2026 because King Charles has multiple international trips lined up for 2025.
His Majesty will be traveling to Italy and has a major royal tour that will soon be announced. The King might be heading to Africa or Asia.
The outlet noted that all high-ranking officials invited to the UK receive the honor of an official visit. State visits are a special honor that involves meticulous planning and more formality.
However, for Donald Trump, the British government has decided to roll out the red carpet. According to the Telegraph: “Not all meetings between a foreign leader and the UK monarch are classed as “state visits.” State visits are a special honor that involves more formality and takes months to plan. Officially, state visits are issued by the monarch on the advice of the Foreign Office.”
Buckingham Palace indicates that King Charles, 75, battling cancer, is not enthusiastic about Trump’s visit.
A royal source told the media outlet: “There was no official precedent to prevent a second state visit from being offered to an elected politician, and the palace had a positive experience with Mr Trump’s first visit.”
The insider stressed that “such invitations were issued on the advice of the Foreign Office,” not by King Charles.
It is not known why King Charles and the rest of the royals are not enthusiastic about Trump’s visit.
Some speculate that it could be because of the King’s health, while others claim Trump’s controversial behavior and comments, including his threats against Prince Harry, Greenland, and Canada, might be worrisome for the dignified Royal Family.
A government source noted: “The unusual circumstances of the gap between Mr Trump’s first and second term have kept him at the top of politics longer than many other elected leaders.”
The person added: “The fact there has been a change of both sovereign and government in that break [from power] means a second state visit is entirely appropriate.”
Trump is a problematic topic for the monarchy.
