Monarch’s hopes for private Balmoral meeting dashed as ‘complexities’ in both schedules mean full pomp and pageantry will come first
King Charles’s carefully laid plans for a leisurely summer catch-up with Donald Trump have been dramatically ditched – with the monarch now jumping straight to the full bells-and-whistles state visit instead.
The King had hoped to ease into things with a private meeting at one of his Scottish retreats before rolling out the red carpet for The Donald’s unprecedented second state visit.
But Sky News can reveal that diary clashes between the two world leaders have scuppered any chance of an intimate tête-à-tête before the grand September spectacle.
Royal invitation hand-delivered
Palace insiders have confirmed that the ‘manu regia’ – the hand-signed formal invitation from King Charles – was personally delivered to the White House by British embassy officials in Washington last week.
This follows His Majesty’s original letter, which had suggested they might first meet privately at either Balmoral or Dumfries House in Scotland for a cosy chat.
But sources say “complexities” in both principals’ diaries have made a summer meeting impossible – despite the King heading to Scotland for his annual break and Trump expected to visit his new Aberdeenshire golf course when it opens this summer.
‘Accepted and appreciated’
“It’s understood this has been accepted and appreciated by all parties,” a well-placed source revealed.
A palace aide diplomatically added: “His Majesty has known President Trump for many years and looks forward to hosting him and the First Lady later this year.”
According to The Times, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has gone against the King’s wishes by bringing the state visit forward to September – though the Palace continues to stress they remain “fully aligned” with the government.
Historic second helping
When it happens, Trump will make history as the first elected political leader in modern times to be honoured with TWO state visits by a British monarch.
The former Apprentice star was already feted by the late Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in 2019, complete with golden carriage rides and a glittering state banquet.
I think they’re setting a date for September,” Trump revealed to reporters in April. “It’s an honour… I’m a friend of Charles, I have great respect for King Charles and the family.
Royal charm offensive
The state visit appears to be part of a diplomatic charm offensive, with the UK government hoping to capitalise on Trump’s well-documented fondness for the Royal Family.
During Keir Starmer’s February visit to the White House, Trump immediately accepted the invitation, describing Charles as “a beautiful man and a wonderful man.
“We look forward to being there and honoring the King, honoring your country,” the President gushed. “Your country is a fantastic country, and it will be an honor to be there.”
Windsor takes centre stage
While dates haven’t been officially confirmed, the visit is expected to centre on Windsor Castle rather than Buckingham Palace, which is currently undergoing renovations.
Prince William and Kate are likely to help Charles and Queen Camilla welcome the Trumps, with another spectacular state banquet on the cards.
Controversial history
Trump’s previous UK visits haven’t been without drama. His 2018 tea with the Queen saw him widely criticised for allegedly breaking royal protocol by failing to bow and walking in front of Her Majesty.
That visit also attracted massive protests, including the infamous 20-foot Trump baby blimp, with policing costs exceeding £14 million.
Special relationship
But the mutual admiration between Trump and the royals appears genuine. When Charles revealed his cancer diagnosis, Trump called him a “wonderful man” whom he “got to know well.
According to Melania Trump’s memoir, the couple “exchange letters with King Charles to this day.
The President also charmed Prince William during their December meeting in Paris, later gushing that the heir to the throne was “really very handsome” and looked “great.
September spectacular
With formal planning now underway, September looks set to deliver another spectacular display of British pageantry – even if it wasn’t quite what the King originally had in mind.
As one insider put it: “The complexities of both diaries mean we’re going straight to the main event.”
At least The Donald won’t have to wait long for his royal fix – and Charles can still show off his Scottish hospitality another time.
