On Thursday, February 27, 2025, President Donald Trump agreed to a second state visit to the United Kingdom. The invitation was extended personally by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during their inaugural in-person meeting at the White House.

During the meeting in the Oval Office, Starmer called the development “really special” and “unprecedented,” signifying the robust relationship between the two nations. He also referred to Trump’s previous state visit as a “tremendous success.”

Trump promptly accepted the invitation extended by King Charles III, and stated, “On behalf of our wonderful first lady Melania and myself, the answer is yes, and we look forward to being there and honoring the King and honoring, really, your country. Your country is a fantastic country, and it’ll be our honor to be there.”

While the exact date for the visit is yet to be disclosed, royal experts have deemed it as a significant diplomatic gesture. A second term state visit by a US president is a rarity in the British monarchy.

Trump’s initial state visit to the UK was in June 2019, during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. This made him among a select few, the third U.S. president to be granted a state visit in her 70-year tenure.

King Charles, in his invitation letter, proposed a meeting with Trump at locations such as Dumfries House or Balmoral in Scotland, places near Trump’s golf courses. The king expressed a desire to work collaboratively to bolster the “special relationship” between the UK and US.

During the meeting at the Oval Office, Trump acknowledged his healthy relationship with Starmer, despite their political differences. He lauded the UK Prime Minister as a “very tough negotiator.” Conversely, Starmer emphasized their shared admiration for their countries.

Starmer is the second European leader, following French President Emmanuel Macron, to meet Trump in person last week. The discussions revolved around negotiating a deal with Russia to end the Ukraine conflict. European allies are seeking reassurances about Ukraine’s security in any peace agreement.

En route to Washington, Starmer expressed his desire for the US to assist in ensuring a lasting peace to the war and sought security commitments from Trump. Earlier in the week, the Labour Party leader unveiled plans to increase UK military spending to 2.5%, interpreted by analysts as Britain’s gesture of support for European defense.

Starmer stated that the UK is ready to commit military support to a deal ending the war in Ukraine. However, he cautioned that any agreement must not reward the aggressor. Both the UK and France have hinted at the possibility of deploying peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of a settlement.

Trump disclosed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was not against the presence of European soldiers in Ukraine. However, he wished to discuss specific arrangements after a potential deal. While details of America’s role in Ukraine after a peace settlement remain vague, Trump suggested that an American commercial presence could help stabilize the situation.

During his meeting with Starmer, Trump seemed to moderate his previous remarks about Zelenskyy, whom he had labeled a “dictator” recently amid calls for new elections in Ukraine. He later commended the Ukrainian leader, indicating a shift in tone.

On Friday, February 28, Trump’s meeting with the Ukrainian president was fraught with tension. Following a heated dispute in the Oval Office, a scheduled afternoon press conference was canceled. Trump suggested that Zelenskyy could return to the White House once he was ready to pursue peace.

The royal invitation and improved diplomatic relations with the UK are noteworthy, given Trump’s historically complex relationship with Britain. Despite facing significant protests in London during his first term and publicly criticizing then-London mayor Sadiq Khan, Trump has maintained cordial relations with the British Royal Family, including a 2024 meeting with Prince William in Paris, France, at the ceremonial reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral.