Trump plans invitation for King Charles after UK state visit, White House says
Plan to invite Charles to the United States as early as next year surfaces as Washington eyes UK role in 2026 celebrations.
President Donald Trump is planning to invite King Charles III to the United States after a historic second state visit to Britain, White House officials said as he returned to Washington on Air Force One. The plan, described to The Telegraph by a senior White House official, envisions a royal visit as early as next year and aligns with efforts to involve the United Kingdom in celebrations tied to the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence in 2026. Trump’s two-day itinerary included a glittering state dinner at Windsor Castle, a display of pomp, and a one-on-one meeting with Charles that underscored the enduring alliance between the two nations.
During the Windsor meeting, Trump and Charles hailed the 'special relationship' between the United States and the United Kingdom. Trump thanked his hosts, saying, 'We're grateful beyond words for the spectacular honour of the state visit yesterday at Windsor Castle, hosted by His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty, Queen Camilla. These are two fantastic people. We will never forget it.' The White House official said the trip set a high bar for future royal visits, and planning for possible next-year events remains in motion.
At Chequers, Trump signaled a continuing disagreement with Sir Keir Starmer over Palestine recognition, telling the Labour leader he did not support plans to formally recognise a Palestinian state. Starmer argued the move would be part of a process toward a two-state solution and insisted Hamas would have no say in a future Palestinian state.
Trump also pressed European countries, including Hungary and Slovakia, to stop buying Russian oil and gas, arguing that lower energy prices could help end the war in Ukraine.
After the Chequers meeting, Trump’s Marine One helicopter made an emergency landing at a UK airport due to a hydraulic issue, with the president and first lady on board. They transferred to a support helicopter and resumed the journey to Stansted to connect with Air Force One. No injuries were reported, and officials said the incident was handled as a precaution.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the minor hydraulic problem and said the president and first lady were safe and continued their travel. The incident occurred during the return leg of the trip and did not derail plans to depart for Washington.
Trump and his team thanked their British hosts after the visit, with the president praising the close ties between the two nations and noting that the trip would influence future plans, including the United Kingdom’s role in 2026 celebrations. The Telegraph quoted a senior White House official as saying the trip set a high bar for future visits and that London knows how to stage such events.
Taken together, the trip reflects ongoing efforts to bolster the 'special relationship' amid a shifting geopolitical environment, with a focus on security cooperation, trade ties and shared concerns about energy and stability in Europe.