Trump avoids speech of parliament during his UK visit

Trump avoids speech of parliament during his UK visit

President Donald Trump and the first Lady Melania Trump will travel to the United Kingdom in September for an “unprecedented” second state visit to the United Kingdom. This visit, which is to take place from September 17th to 19th, will probably not contain any public events.

Details about the visit

The Buckingham Palace announced that the trip coincides with a session interruption in the lower house. This excludes the possibility that Trump speaks before a joint session of the parliament, which was questioned by some MPs. King Charles is welcomed to Trump at Windsor Castle, about an hour from Central London. Buckingham Palace, which normally serves as a venue for state visits, is extensively renovated this year.

past and traditions

Windsor was recently the place of the state visit of France President Emmanuel Macron, who then traveled to London to take part in a summit in Downing Street and to give a speech in parliament.

Usually US President are not invited to a second state visit during the second term. Traditionally, former presidents such as Barack Obama and George W. Bush only received a lunch or a tea with the monarch during their second term.

meaning of state visit

The "unprecedented" offer was submitted on behalf of the king of Prime Minister Keir Strandmer during his visit to the White House at the beginning of this year and enthusiastically accepted by Trump. A formal invitation was sent in June, but the two heads of state could not meet during the summer due to appointment problems.

"His majesty has known President Trump for many years and is looking forward to receiving him and first Lady later this year," said a palace employee CNN in June.

expectations of the state visit

Further details on the state visit will be published at a later date. As with every state visit, there will be a solemn reception and a state banquet in which all leading members of the royal family will take part.

During his first official state visit in 2019, Trump was welcomed by the late Queen Elizabeth in Buckingham Palace. For security reasons, however, there was no public procession along the mall in London, and the president arrived with the helicopter.

Further information and reports on the upcoming state visit are expected.