Donald Trump will be treated to royal pageantry this week on an unprecedented second UK state visit, as Britain leans on pomp and ceremony to court the unpredictable US president.
The three-day visit will feature a carriage ride and military flyover with King Charles III, a lavish state banquet at Windsor Castle, and a private tribute at Queen Elizabeth II’s grave. Trump, who has often expressed admiration for the monarchy and British tradition, will become the first US president to receive a second state visit.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to use the occasion to deepen relations with Trump, focusing on trade, tariffs, and the Ukraine war during talks at the Chequers country retreat. British officials say the meeting will likely produce a “world-leading tech partnership” and a “major civil nuclear deal.” Trump will be joined by a delegation of US business leaders.
While the ceremonial elements are designed to appeal to Trump’s love of pageantry and royal connections, the political discussions could prove more challenging. Labour leader Starmer, who has worked to cultivate goodwill with the Republican president since his return to the White House in January, hopes Britain will secure a favorable trade deal and avoid harsh tariffs.
Ukraine is also expected to be a central topic. European leaders, including Starmer, continue pressing Trump to maintain support for Kyiv despite his apparent tilt toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.
First Lady Melania Trump, making a rare public appearance, will join Queen Camilla and Princess Catherine on cultural and charitable engagements, including a tour of the Queen Mary Dolls’ House and a scouting event.
Despite the grand welcome, tensions remain. The White House said Trump intends to raise concerns over free speech protections in the UK, echoing a recent appeal by Elon Musk at a far-right rally. Additionally, the Jeffrey Epstein scandal looms in the background after Starmer dismissed Britain’s ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, over ties to the disgraced financier.
With Britain’s “special relationship” with Washington under renewed scrutiny, the visit is seen as both a diplomatic opportunity and a delicate balancing act.
