Camilla Jessen
Donald Trump is returning to the UK for a rare second State Visit but not everyone is happy about it.
Donald Trump will travel to the UK for an official State Visit this September, where he will be hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla.
This will be Trump’s second State Visit to the UK, following his first in 2019 when he met with both Queen Elizabeth II and then-Prince Charles.
The Royal Family shared the news on social media:
“His Majesty The King will host The President of the United States of America, Donald J Trump, accompanied by the First Lady, Melania Trump, for a State Visit to the UK,” the post read, along with a photo from the previous visit.
The visit is scheduled to take place from September 17 to 19, and it comes at a politically sensitive time for Trump, who is currently facing renewed scrutiny over his connection to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
A Second State Visit
According to Newsner, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer handed Trump a personal invitation from King Charles during a meeting at the White House in February.
He called it “unprecedented,” saying: “This is really special. This has never happened before… His Majesty the King wants to make this even better than [the last visit]. So, this is truly historic.”
Trump praised Charles in return, calling him a “great, great gentleman” and complimenting his “beautiful” signature.
Although there were earlier talks of a private summer meeting in Scotland, protocol and scheduling conflicts meant the official State Visit had to come first.
A palace aide confirmed to People that King Charles has known Trump for many years and looks forward to the visit.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
The announcement stirred strong reactions online. While some welcomed the visit, others were outraged, especially in light of Trump’s legal troubles.
Comments on the Royal Family’s post included:
“Is this the first time the royals have hosted a convicted felon?”
“Bring on the protests. London does not accept felons.”
“Why do you want to host him? HE IS NOT WORTHY OF A VISIT WITH THE KING!”
“Absolutely disgraceful.”
“It’s embarrassing… I’m truly disappointed.”
One longtime supporter of the Royal Family even wrote: “I have supported the Royal family through thick and thin… but this is embarrassing.”
However, others defended the decision, praising Trump and the significance of the meeting: “Trump returns to the world stage with strength and unapologetic leadership.”
Trump’s History With the Royal Family
Donald Trump has shared a warm relationship with King Charles and Queen Camilla. Melania Trump has even said that she and the King are pen pals.
But Trump’s connection with the late Queen Elizabeth II was reportedly less friendly.
Author Craig Brown wrote in Voyage Around The Queen that the Queen found Trump “very rude”.
She disliked his habit of looking over her shoulder during conversations, as if searching for someone more interesting.
She was also puzzled by his marriage to Melania, reportedly saying he “must have some sort of arrangement” with her.
