Donald Trump will visit Britain on September 16, 2025. The former U.S. president will receive a full state welcome, led by King Charles and supported by Prince William and Princess Kate.
Royals as Britain’s Diplomatic Card
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is relying on the monarchy’s soft power to keep Trump close. Earlier this year, he gave Trump a personal letter from King Charles. The letter offered him an unprecedented second state visit. Trump called it “beautiful” and said it was “an honour.”
The gesture won him over immediately. It showed how the royal family can achieve what politicians sometimes cannot—winning goodwill through tradition and prestige.
A Grand Royal Welcome
During his stay, Trump and his wife Melania will be treated to pageantry. Events will include a carriage procession, a lavish banquet, a military flypast, and a gun salute.
Prince William, who Trump described as “very handsome” after a meeting last year, will greet the couple with Princess Kate. The British government hopes this charm offensive will help cement defence and trade ties.
Not the First Time
The UK has long used its monarchy as a diplomatic tool. Queen Elizabeth hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In July 2025, King Charles welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron. That visit helped ease post-Brexit tensions and secure a deal on migrant returns. Macron even joked, “We love monarchy, especially when it’s not at home.”
The Monarchy’s Ongoing Role
While some polls suggest mixed views about the monarchy at home, its global appeal remains strong. “Soft power is hard to measure but its value is firmly understood,” said James Chalmers, the king’s treasurer.
For Trump, the visit is prestige. For Britain, it is proof that the monarchy still has a vital role in shaping global relationships.
