Trump expected to visit King Charles in September

Donald Trump is expected to travel to Britain in September, visiting Windsor Castle to spend time with the royal family.

The United Kingdom is preparing to host the US president and first lady for a high-profile visit at the end of summer, as the British government seeks to reaffirm trans-Atlantic ties in the wake of his trade war.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Trump are understood to have discussed the visit during a telephone call, with a plan close to being formally agreed.

Donald Trump and first lady Melania, left, pose with then-Prince Charles and then-duchess Camilla before afternoon tea at Clarence House in London during the US president’s three-day state visit in 2019.Credit: AP

The venue is set to be Windsor Castle, rather than Balmoral or Dumfries House as previously thought. In February, the King extended a personal invitation for the Trumps to stay in one of the Scottish homes.

Sources have said that no dates or details have been finalised for the trip, with discussions ongoing.

The British government has presented multiple options to the White House, with proposals for June, July and August visits involving the royal family suggested and declined. Trump is understood to have now signalled approval for a visit to Windsor Castle.

The castle holds fond memories for him, as the site of a treasured visit with the late Queen in which he enjoyed a cup of tea and inspected the guard alongside her in 2018. Trump also paid an official state visit to the UK in 2019.

The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children live within walking distance of the castle, at Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate.

An official US visit to the castle would probably mean that Prince William would be involved in hosting duties, along with the princess if she is well enough.

The King, as head of state, would lead Britain’s charm offensive. He and the Queen have previously entertained the Trumps in the UK, and the men are in regular contact via letters.

The negotiations come as the UK government seeks an enhanced trade deal with America. British officials are negotiating an agreement with Washington, with the intention of removing the 10 per cent tariffs Trump placed on all trading partners earlier this month. The UK is especially concerned about a special 25 per cent rate that applies to cars, one of the UK’s largest manufacturing exports to America.

It is hoped that a trade deal will offer a chance for Britain and the US to collaborate more on science and technology, including AI, while removing barriers to trade in goods.

White House sources have signalled that a deal could be struck within weeks, while ministers have pledged only to sign an agreement that is in the “national interest”.

In February, during his visit to the White House, Starmer presented Trump with a hand-signed letter from the King, inviting him to stay at either Dumfries House or Balmoral. The president owns a golf course in Aberdeenshire, with speculation that a trip could have been co-ordinated over the summer.

Queen Elizabeth II speaks to Trump and Melania at Buckingham Palace during the 2019 state visit.Credit: Pool photo via AP

The offer, discussed with the government, was considered a high honour, taking the president into one of the royal family’s inner sanctums – the much-loved summer retreat of Elizabeth II.

Starmer’s team felt that a private stay with the King in Scotland, where Trump has family connections, would be a personal touch and extra incentive to fly to the UK. But UK officials are understood to have been told that Trump would prefer a grander stage for the visit, and hoped to be photographed at Windsor, where he met the late Queen in 2018.

A second offer, involving another stay at Windsor, was made in follow-up calls between British and American officials.

The UK is believed to still be pushing for the date to be brought forward. Trump has also separately been offered a full state visit, the details of which will be discussed during his time in the UK.

The president’s fondness for the royal family is well known. He has kept a photograph album of his previous state visit and described the King as a “beautiful man”.

During a photo call at the White House with Starmer in February, Trump publicly accepted the King’s invitation to enjoy his hospitality in Britain, saying: “The answer is yes. We look forward to being there and honouring the King, honouring the country.”

Trump confirmed he was planning to visit the UK in the Oval Office on Thursday night.

Asked about the trip by London’s The Telegraph, he said: “It’s a very great honour. And I think they’re setting a date for September.

“It’s an honour to be a friend of Charles,” he said after signing two executive orders. “I have great respect for King Charles and the family ... William …

“I don’t know how it could be bigger than the last one,” he continued. “The last one, as you know, was incredible, but they said it’s going to be even more important.”

Buckingham Palace declined to comment, as did the British prime minister’s office.

The Telegraph, London

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