President Trump to Visit the UK: A Royal Welcome Awaits
The British royal family is preparing to roll out the red carpet for President Trump.
In July, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will be in the UK from September 17 to 19, hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle.
This marks Trump as the first U.S. president to receive invitations for two state visits from British monarchs. His initial visit took place during the late Queen Elizabeth II’s reign back in 2019.
Ingrid Seward, the editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine and author of “My Mother and I,” noted to Fox News Digital that the visit will be characterized by the pomp and pageantry typically associated with the royal family.
“This particular state visit holds significant importance,” she shared. “It’s often called the monarchy’s ‘soft power.’ While King Charles cannot engage in political matters due to our constitution, this event will indeed strengthen ties between the two nations.”
Seward also emphasized the royal family’s excitement about Trump’s visit, saying, “He’s a very flattering figure to the monarchy. The late Queen found Trump quite amusing and had a liking for him.”
During the visit, Prince William and Kate Middleton will extend a welcome to the American guests, guiding them to meet Charles and Queen Camilla. Royal salutes will be performed from Windsor Castle and the Tower of London as the King and Queen formally greet the Trumps. They will then partake in a carriage procession through Windsor Estate.
“They’ll have lunch with as many royals as possible,” Seward explained. “It usually includes the whole family gathering.”
Following lunch, Trump will also pay his respects at St. George’s Chapel by placing a wreath on the Queen’s grave. Additionally, military jets and flypasts featuring red arrows and F-35s from the UK and US will make an appearance.
One of the highlights is expected to be a lavish state banquet on Wednesday evening, which typically accommodates around 150 guests chosen for their cultural, diplomatic, or economic connections with the U.S.
Darren McGrady, a former royal chef who served the late Queen and other royals, remarked how crucial it is to get the menu right. He noted, “When I was in the kitchen, we’d present several menus to the Queen, who would select her favorite. Before that, there’s extensive consultation to ensure nothing is served that could cause any issues.”
While it’s uncertain if American chefs will take part in the menu planning for this visit, guests might enjoy many of the King and Queen’s preferred dishes. McGrady highlighted that the late Queen was a fan of chocolate—but King Charles prefers cheese, organic offerings, and wild mushrooms, making for potential menu contrasts.
Seward mentioned that while the guest list remains confidential, some celebrities are likely to be included. For instance, during former President Obama’s 2011 state banquet, Tom Hanks was among the invitees. She commented, “We often see Elton John and he lives nearby. He’s a longstanding friend of the royal family.”
“The dinner will surely be a significant showcase,” Seward added. “Trump might make some humorous remarks, which the royals appreciate. They’ve met many dignitaries, but Trump’s a bit different. This should be pretty entertaining for them.”
The events don’t stop at the banquet. On Thursday, President Trump is set to meet the Prime Minister and explore the archives of Sir Winston Churchill. They plan to hold press conferences too. Meanwhile, Melania will join Kate at Frogmore Gardens to meet Chief Scout Dwayne Fields and members of a nature-based program.
After their engagements, Melania will reunite with Trump before they head back to the U.S.
Earlier, a formal invitation, signed by King Charles, was delivered to the White House, extending the invitation for a state visit. A palace aide remarked that “the King has known President Trump for years and looks forward to hosting him and the First Lady.”
