Trump to attend a state dinner with King Charles. Here’s why it’s unprecedented
In an unprecedented diplomatic gesture, the United Kingdom’s royal family will welcome President Donald Trump for a second state visit this fall.
King Charles is set to host the U.S. president and First Lady Melania Trump from Sept. 17-19, Buckingham Palace announced in a statement on July 14.
The reception will take place at Windsor Castle, the oldest occupied castle in the world, located just outside of London, according to the BBC.
The high-profile event has been in the works for months. During a February visit to the White House, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented Trump with a formal invitation from the king.
“This is really special. This has never happened before,” Starmer said, after handing Trump the letter. “I think that just symbolizes the strength of the relationship between us.”
The president heaped praise on the king, calling him “a beautiful man, a wonderful man.” He added, “I’ve gotten to know him very well actually.”
Trump will now have the distinction of being the only U.S. president to take part in two U.K. state visits.
His first visit took place in June 2019 and included tea at Clarence House and a banquet at Buckingham Palace — which featured a speech from Queen Elizabeth II.
“Mr. President, as we look to the future, I am confident that our common values and shared interests will continue to unite us,” the queen, who died in 2022, said.
Several of Trump’s predecessors have also gone on state visits to the U.K.
They include former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan.
This story was originally published July 14, 2025 at 8:42 AM with the headline "Trump to attend a state dinner with King Charles. Here’s why it’s unprecedented."