US President-elect Donald Trump is set to make history as the first elected politician to receive two state visits from the British royal family. According to a report in The Telegraph, Downing Street and the Foreign Office are preparing to extend an invitation to Trump for another state visit when he returns to the White House in January.
The move is seen as an effort to strengthen ties between the UK and the US, with British diplomats hoping Trump’s admiration for the royal family will play a key role in fostering closer ties between the two countries. A senior Whitehall source told the Telegraph that Trump’s affection for the royal family is well known, citing the fact that he had a private photo album of his last state visit to the UK in 2019.
During that trip, Trump had a lavish three-day state visit, which included dining with the late Queen Elizabeth II and commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Portsmouth. The visit was seen as a significant moment in Trump’s presidency, with the Queen herself telling Trump, “I hope you will visit this country again soon.” Trump praised the queen, calling her a “great, great woman.”
Trump’s relationship with the royal family appears to be warming, with Trump and Prince William recently meeting at the historic re-opening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The two shook hands warmly and later spent 40 minutes alone at the residence of the UK Ambassador in Paris and discussed various global issues and UK-US relations.
Trump also praised Prince William, saying he was “doing a great job.” The newly elected President also shared memories of the late Queen. The meeting was seen as a significant moment in Trump’s relationship with the royal family, with many hoping it would mark the beginning of closer ties between the US and Britain.
A potential state visit is expected to take place in 2026, although no official date has been confirmed. If it goes ahead, Trump would become the first elected politician to receive two state visits from the British royal family. The trip will likely be seen as a key moment in Trump’s presidency, and will likely be closely watched by diplomats and politicians on both sides of the Atlantic.
