In a notable diplomatic event this week, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the White House and presented US President Donald Trump with a hand-signed letter from King Charles III.
The letter extended an invitation to President Trump for a second state visit to the United Kingdom, an invitation unprecedented for a US president.
The meeting took place on Thursday, 27 February, in the Oval Office, where Starmer emphasized the significance of the letter. “This is truly historic,” he remarked.
The letter, personally signed by King Charles III, references a potential visit to the Scottish estates of Turnberry and Balmoral. The King noted, “There is much on both estates that I think you might find interesting and enjoyable — particularly as my foundation at Dumfries House provides hospitality skills training for young people, many of whom end up working at your own establishments.”
Furthermore, the letter highlights the opportunity to discuss mutual interests and plan for the upcoming state visit. “As you know, this is unprecedented for a US President. I would find it helpful for us to discuss, together, a variety of options for location and program content,” the King wrote, closing with an expression of confidence that the visit would continue to strengthen the “special relationship” between the United Kingdom and the United States.
President Trump expressed his appreciation for the invitation, describing it as “a great honour” and speaking positively of King Charles III. “He’s a wonderful man… He loves his country. And I love our country,” Trump said.
Reflecting on the long-standing alliance between the two nations, Trump stated, “We have two countries that have gotten along for the longest period of time… We have other allies, but we’ve had a long-time relationship, hundreds of years.”
Trump’s acceptance of this invitation marks him as the first US president in modern history to be extended a second state visit by a British monarch. This upcoming visit is expected to further reinforce the enduring partnership between the United States and the United Kingdom.
