Reports indicate that President Trump has invited Dr. Karen Pierce, the former UK ambassador, to attend upcoming state banquets in the UK.
Trump is set to make a trip to the UK later this month for a historic visit. King Charles and the royal family are preparing to warmly welcome him on September 17th.
Leading up to his visit, Trump reached out to Pierce, inviting her to the state banquet at Windsor Castle, as noted by the Telegraph.
Sources shared that Pierce, who held her position as ambassador from 2020 until February 2025, is still regarded as “one of the UK’s finest assets.”
Prior to her ambassadorship, she served as the UK’s permanent representative at the United Nations.
If Pierce accepts Trump’s invitation, she might join the UK delegation alongside the current British ambassador, Lord Peter Mandelson.
Mandelson has had a complicated relationship with Trump, referring to him as a “danger to the world” and mentioning “a slight shortage of white nationalists,” yet he seemed to soften his stance once Trump was re-elected.
“I believe my previous comments about President Trump were unfair and wrong,” he admitted in January. “A lot has changed since then, and perspectives about him have shifted.” He expressed that he and others now recognize Trump’s re-election as a significant achievement.
The state banquet is expected to host over 150 guests, including royals, politicians, and notable figures connected to both the UK and the US.
Interestingly, Trump’s visit coincides with a break in the UK Parliament, meaning he won’t be engaging with Congress during this time.
While the Palace has not elaborated on the timing of Trump’s visit, there have been calls from some UK lawmakers, specifically from the Labour party, urging Speaker Lindsay Hoyle to deny Trump an audience with Parliament.
Nonetheless, Mandelson commented that despite any past grievances, Trump is expected to receive a favorable welcome in England.
“He really has an affection for England, so I think he’ll be warmly received,” Mandelson stated.
Trump will be hosted at Windsor Castle since Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing significant renovations, anticipated to be completed in 2027.
The groundwork for this state visit began in June with a formal invitation from King Charles presented to Trump at the White House.
During a meeting in February, the British Prime Minister presented Trump and First Lady Melania with the royal invite from King Charles, to which Trump readily agreed.
In his response, Trump expressed enthusiasm, saying, “Yes, we look forward to being there, honoring the king and your country.” He emphasized the honor it would be to visit.
Trump has previously expressed admiration for the royals, particularly for King Charles, mentioning his respect in the months following the inauguration.
