US President Donald Trump will soon make an unprecedented second state visit to the UK. Trump, who will be accompanied by his wife Melania, was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II in June 2019.
A state visit is a formal trip to the UK by the head of a country, traditionally arranged at the invitation of the monarch. The previous custom for US presidents serving a second term was to forgo state visits, with only tea or lunch offered with the monarch. This time, PM Sir Keir Starmer extended a historic invitation to Trump on behalf of King Charles III during a recent meeting.
Trump's visit will commence on Tuesday, September 16, and conclude on Thursday, September 18. The couple will be hosted at Windsor Castle, where they will meet King Charles and other royal family members.
Upon their arrival, the Trumps will be welcomed by the US Ambassador and a royal salute will be fired in Windsor and at the Tower of London. The President plans to visit St George's Chapel to lay a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II's tomb and will participate in a state banquet at Windsor Castle.
Meanwhile, the Stop Trump coalition is organizing a demonstration in London to protest the President's visit, citing various political concerns, including climate issues.
This state visit marks a unique event in the timeline of UK-US relations, highlighting both diplomatic ties and the potential for civic dissent during such high-profile occasions.
