Charles Won’t Invite Trump to Buckingham Palace During State Visit — And There’s a Valid Reason
The red carpets are being rolled out once again, though not in Buckingham Palace. US President Donald Trump will instead set foot in the high-walled Windsor Castle when he arrives in the UK for his state visit, much like French President Emmanuel Macron's visit. The change of setting, however, is not for a toned-down reception from King Charles. On the contrary, Trump can expect a far more elaborate welcome than during his 2019 trip, when the pageantry was notably restrained. This time, the itinerary promises all the trappings of royal spectacle that will include a carriage procession through Windsor and a formal royal salute.
Buckingham Palace is undergoing major renovations until 2027, and therefore, the monarch’s Berkshire residence will serve as the backdrop for the state welcome. The major renovation intends to secure the Palace’s functionality and safety for the next 50 years. And one of the biggest changes expected is a library for Queen Camilla.
Coming back to the state visit, the choreographed ceremony will see Trump and First Lady Melania welcomed first by America’s ambassador to Britain before being escorted to Windsor Castle by Prince William and Kate Middleton. From there, the King and Queen will formally receive the couple outside as a Royal Salute is fired from the East Lawn of Windsor Castle and simultaneously at the Tower of London.
“The President and First Lady will arrive in the grounds of Windsor Castle on the morning of Wednesday 17th September,” the Palace said in a statement. “Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales will greet The President and First Lady and accompany them to meet Their Majesties.”
After the official welcome, Trump will join Charles and Camilla for a private lunch in the State Dining Room at Windsor Castle. Later, the President and the First Lady will make their way to St. George’s Chapel, where they will privately lay a wreath on the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II. This gesture will mark Trump’s first formal tribute to the monarch since her passing in 2022. The Palace further confirmed, “Afterwards, the President and First Lady will be given a short tour of the chapel and will hear a musical performance from the chapel choir.”
The day is set to conclude with a lavish state banquet at Windsor, expected to draw more than 150 guests, including senior royals, government figures, and prominent personalities with ties to both Britain and the United States. Among the names already invited is Dame Karen Pierce, the former British ambassador to Washington, who worked closely with the Trump administration. Although Trump will meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the second day of his visit, the UK parliament will be in recess, implying the President will not deliver an official address.