Former U.S. President Donald Trump has formally accepted an invitation from King Charles III for a second state visit to the United Kingdom, Buckingham Palace confirmed. Trump will be accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump during the visit, which is scheduled for 17–19 September and will be hosted at Windsor Castle.

The traditional venue, Buckingham Palace, is currently undergoing renovations, prompting the change in location. This marks a historic moment, as second-term U.S. presidents are rarely granted a second state visit. Trump was previously hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2019 during his first term.

The upcoming visit will feature hallmark ceremonial events, including a state banquet in St George’s Hall at Windsor and a formal welcome by the Royal Family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Security will remain tight, as with Trump’s previous UK visit, which notably avoided public processions and road travel. A detailed itinerary has yet to be released, but Trump’s schedule is expected to remain largely private.

There is uncertainty over whether Trump will address the UK Parliament, as the House of Commons will be in recess during his stay. However, the House of Lords will be in session.

Trump’s visit follows recent diplomatic engagements, including French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Windsor — the first held there in over a decade — and King Charles’s visit to Canada in May.

The invitation was personally delivered by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during a February meeting at the White House. Trump responded by calling it a “great, great honour,” particularly noting the prestige of being hosted at Windsor.

Beyond royal pageantry, the visit carries diplomatic weight. Sir Keir is reportedly aiming to engage Trump on key issues such as the war in Ukraine and tariffs on British exports.

Though Trump is expected in Scotland later this month for the launch of his new golf course in Aberdeenshire, a private meeting with the King was ruled out due to scheduling conflicts. The September state visit will be their official engagement.

Trump has often expressed admiration for the British royal family. Speaking earlier this year, he said: “I’m a friend of Charles. I have great respect for King Charles and the family — William. We have great respect for the family.”

The upcoming visit is seen as a strategic moment in UK–US relations, balancing tradition, diplomacy, and political nuance.