President Donald Trump arrived in Britain on Tuesday, September 16th for an unprecedented second state visit, as the UK government seeks to strengthen the special relationship between the two countries.
King Charles III will host Trump at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, September 17, followed by talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at official residence Chequers the next day.
Trump is the first U.S. president to be invited for two state visits, after previously being hosted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.
The British government hopes the visit will reinforce ties with Trump, whose family has Scottish roots and business interests in the UK. Politics will take centre stage during the meetings, focusing on trade as well as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
The visit coincides with announcements of major investments in Britain, including a $30 billion pledge from Microsoft. For Starmer, the event offers a chance to recover from domestic political challenges, while Downing Street has framed the occasion as proof that the “unbreakable friendship” between the countries is reaching “new heights.”
Despite the PM’s public optimism, disgraced former British ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson—a key Starmer appointee—has cast, to date, a long shadow over the official festivities.
