Trump's UK itinerary avoids parliamentary speech during his state visit
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are set to return to the United Kingdom for a second state visit from September 17 to 19, 2025, invited by King Charles III. This visit marks an unusual occurrence, as sitting U.S. presidents are rarely granted a second full state visit to the UK.
The visit will last three days and be centred at Windsor Castle, with Buckingham Palace undergoing extensive renovations. Unlike his first visit in 2019, which was marked by security concerns and a lack of public procession, the upcoming visit is expected to include a public procession.
The visit will include Queen Camilla and other senior members of the Royal Family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales. A full ceremonial welcome and state banquet are expected in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle. However, due to the House of Commons recess, it is unlikely Trump will address both Houses of Parliament as is customary, although a modified address to the House of Lords might be possible.
The public schedule is expected to be scaled down, with tight security and few public-facing events, a pattern similar to his first visit. This visit demonstrates ongoing efforts by the UK government to reinforce diplomatic and trade ties with the US, especially under King Charles III’s reign and Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Trump enjoyed his 2019 visit, describing Queen Elizabeth II as "fantastic" and displaying fondness for the royal family. However, he clashed with London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, before that visit. This time around, the political context appears to be more favourable, with no noted clashes.
The White House has not yet commented on the upcoming state visit. The palace aide told CNN in June that King Charles looks forward to hosting President Trump and the First Lady later this year. More specifics about the state visit will be released in the future.
This visit will be the second state visit for President Trump, making it "unprecedented" for a US president. In contrast, former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush were offered lunch or tea with the monarch during their second administrations instead of a second state visit.
Windsor Castle, the venue for the state visit, was also the site of French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit last week. The offer for Trump's second state visit was extended by Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his trip to the White House earlier this year. A formal invitation was sent in June, but the leaders were unable to meet during the summer due to scheduling conflicts.
In 2019, Trump's first state visit, there was no public procession, as there were security concerns, and he arrived by helicopter. This time around, a public procession is expected. The details of this procession have not been released yet.
CNN's Mitchell McCluskey contributed to this report.
- The upcoming three-day state visit of President Trump in September 2025 will reportedly include a public procession, a contrast to his first visit in 2019 where security concerns led to a lack of public procession.
- The state visit's agenda also includes a full ceremonial welcome and state banquet in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle, despite the House of Commons recess potentially preventing Trump from addressing both Houses of Parliament as customary.
- The political climate appears more favorable for this visit compared to Trump's first state visit in 2019, with no noted clashes, demonstrating ongoing efforts by the UK government to reinforce diplomatic and trade ties with the US, particularly under King Charles III’s reign and Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership.
