Donald Trump Just Invited a Surprise Guest to His UK State Banquet — and Sent King Charles a Bold Message
US President Donald Trump will meet King Charles and attend a prestigious state banquet during his UK state visit on September 17. His arrival has reportedly created tension at the Palace, with sources claiming Charles is 'very concerned' about Trump launching off into an anti-immigration rant. While the Palace cleverly scheduled the visit during Parliament’s recess, Trump has made a bold move of his own. According to reports, he has extended an invitation to respected British Ambassador Dame Karen Pierce, asserting his influence over the banquet guest list.
Pierce served as the UK’s ambassador to the US from 2020 to February 2025 and previously held the role of the UK’s permanent representative to the United Nations. According to a report by The Telegraph, Trump has invited Pierce as she has long maintained a diplomatic stance on his presidency, unlike his successor. Trump’s invitation signals that, even without hosting the banquet, he is willing to extend invitations to ambassadors who share a favorable view of his policies, rather than those who criticize him. His move is a quiet response to Charles, who reportedly remains wary of the President’s outspoken views. If Pierce accepts, she will likely cross paths with Lord Peter Mandelson, the current British ambassador to the US. Mandelson, who was highly critical of the President in the past, has since changed his stance. He told Fox News, "I think that he has won fresh respect. He certainly has from me, and that is going to be the basis of all the work I do as His Majesty’s ambassador in the United States."
Although Trump has spoken highly of Charles in the past, the King is allegedly 'concerned' that the President may inadvertently add fuel to the UK’s anti-migrant protests. A civil servant told The Daily Beast that Charles fears Trump’s habit of giving impromptu interviews to the media could put the monarchy — required to remain politically neutral — in a difficult position. They explained, "Of course, he will make a speech and propose toasts at the banquet in his honor. Usually, these speeches are ceremonial diplomacy of the highest order and honor the relationship between the two nations. The one group of people Trump seems to respect is the British royal family, so we will just have to hope for the best."
Commenting on the tense situation, Brittani Barger, co-founder of Royal News, told Daily Express U.S, "If King Charles is concerned President Trump will speak out of turn, he has good reason to think that," adding, "President Trump does not hide his feelings or opinions, no matter who is around. And that is one reason so many people love him, but so many also dislike him." She also said about the royal family, "They know their responsibilities and even if they disagree with a person, they will show grace and do what is best for the UK." She further explained, "If this state visit is going to help the UK, it is worth the time of King Charles and Queen Camilla."
It is reported that Trump will not be allowed to address the Parliament, unlike his other foreign counterparts, and that his visit was deliberately scheduled for mid-September, giving the UK a convenient reason to withhold the opportunity for him to speak. Back in 2024, through his spokesperson, Charles had made public calls for unity and understanding, addressing violence that targeted migrants and Muslims.