President Donald Trump returned to the United Kingdom this week for an unprecedented second state visit, underscoring his deep admiration for the British royal family and his personal ties to Scotland. Welcomed by King Charles III and other senior royals at Windsor Castle, Trump called the occasion “one of the highest honors” of his life.
What Happened
On Wednesday, the 79-year-old president and first lady Melania Trump were greeted by Prince William and Kate Middleton, alongside military honor guards and mounted troops, at Windsor Castle. This marks Trump’s second official state visit to Britain—no U.S. president has ever received the honor twice, according to the Associated Press.
At the evening banquet in St. George’s Hall, guests were served a rare 1912 Cognac, chosen to reflect the birth year of Trump’s late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump. Ahead of the event, Trump described his welcome as “a singular privilege” and reaffirmed his respect for King Charles and the British people.
Who Was Mary Anne MacLeod Trump
Much of Trump’s admiration for the monarchy stems from his mother, Mary Anne, who emigrated from Scotland in the 1930s. She was reportedly captivated by Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 coronation, an early memory that shaped Trump’s lifelong fascination with the royals. Mary Anne died in 2000 at age 88, but her influence continues to be felt in her son’s connection to the U.K.
Trump’s Royal Connection and Legacy
Over the years, Trump has spoken warmly of the monarchy, calling the late Queen Elizabeth II “incredible” and “almost never wrong.” His 2024 book Save America included a photograph with the queen captioned, “They said I made the Queen happy, and I said, ‘No, she made me happy!’”
While he and King Charles have differing views on climate policy, Trump has emphasized their personal rapport, describing Charles as a “wonderful guy.” Royal watchers note that both Trump and Melania have maintained correspondence with the monarch, with Buckingham Palace confirming that Charles even sent a private letter to Trump after an assassination attempt in 2024.
Public and Social Media Reactions
News of Trump’s second state visit quickly spread across global media, sparking conversations on both sides of the Atlantic. Supporters praised the historic nature of the event, while critics questioned its political timing. On social media, many pointed to Trump’s mother’s Scottish roots as a symbolic thread tying the president to Britain’s royal traditions.
Official Statements and What Happens Next
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly highlighted the “special relationship” between the U.S. and U.K., emphasizing shared goals on trade, security, and foreign policy. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer personally delivered the invitation for this state visit earlier in the year, signaling Britain’s intent to strengthen ties with Washington.
After Melania’s engagements with Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton, the first lady is expected to reunite with her husband at Chequers for talks with the prime minister, before the Trumps conclude their state visit.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
