Donald Trump will receive full royal honors this week as he embarks on an unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom, with Britain deploying royal pageantry in a bid to strengthen ties with the unpredictable U.S. president.
The itinerary includes a carriage procession with King Charles III, a military jet flyover, and a lavish state banquet at Windsor Castle. Trump, who has long expressed admiration for the monarchy, will also pay a private visit to Queen Elizabeth II’s grave. The tightly choreographed visit is designed to keep him far from expected mass protests in London, with all events staged outside the capital.
For Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the stakes are high. Although a centre-left leader and ideological opposite of Trump, Starmer has worked to build rapport since the Republican returned to the White House in January. Their talks at Chequers, the prime minister’s country residence, are expected to focus on trade, tariffs, nuclear cooperation, and continued Western support for Ukraine.
Trump will be accompanied by U.S. business leaders, with British officials forecasting the signing of a “world-leading tech partnership” and a “major civil nuclear deal.” Starmer hopes the agreements will secure Britain an early trade advantage and soften the blow of Trump’s protectionist instincts.
The visit also draws heavily on Trump’s fascination with royal tradition — his Scottish mother instilled in him a deep interest in the monarchy. He often recalls his 2019 state visit with Queen Elizabeth II and now becomes the first U.S. president to enjoy the honor twice.
First Lady Melania Trump will join Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales, for separate engagements, including a tour of the Queen Mary Dolls’ House and a scouting event. Catherine’s appearance comes as she resumes public duties following her cancer treatment.
Yet behind the grandeur, diplomatic unease simmers. The White House confirmed Trump intends to raise concerns over free speech in Britain, echoing themes voiced by ally Elon Musk at a far-right rally last weekend. Adding to the discomfort, Starmer recently dismissed Peter Mandelson, Britain’s ambassador to Washington, due to his ties with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
With royal ceremony on one side and delicate politics on the other, the visit underscores both the opportunity and the challenges of maintaining the “special relationship” in the Trump era.
