Donald Trump is set to make history with a second state visit to the United Kingdom, a first for any world leader. The U.S. president and First Lady Melania Trump will arrive in Britain on Tuesday night, local time. However, they will not visit Buckingham Palace, which is currently undergoing renovations. Instead, they will be welcomed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.

The visit will feature a series of ceremonial events, including a carriage procession through the castle grounds, royal gun salutes, and a state dinner. These activities will officially commence on Wednesday. The United Kingdom is making significant efforts to honor the occasion, as many U.S. presidents have been invited for state visits, but none have received a second invitation.

Dr. Alex Penler, a historian specializing in diplomatic relations, described the visit as "a very smart move." She noted that the royal family often serves as a tool of soft power for the British government during state visits. "It's actually unprecedented, though, to have a second full state visit," she added. Penler emphasized that the British understand Trump's affinity for the monarchy and its associated grandeur.

During his first state visit in 2019, Trump was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II. Fiona Hill, a former adviser to Trump, wrote in her memoir that meeting the Queen was "the ultimate sign" of his success. However, Trump's previous visit was not without controversy. Journalist Craig Brown reported that the late Queen found Trump to be "very rude," particularly after he breached royal protocol by walking in front of her.

Royal commentator Afua Hagan remarked on the unpredictability of Trump, stating, "The UK has to do everything it can to keep him on side. We want to be on the right side of him. The King is a secret weapon, as is Prince William, to keep that relationship special."

Following the ceremonial events on Wednesday, Trump will travel to Chequers, the official country residence of British prime ministers, on Thursday morning. He is scheduled to meet with the UK's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other officials. Discussions are expected to cover trade deals, technology partnerships, and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, including Britain's recognition of a Palestinian state.

Starmer's Labour government, which took power in July 2024, has faced challenges, including a recent controversy involving the dismissal of Britain's ambassador to the U.S., Peter Mandelson, due to his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The domestic turmoil and a sense of national decline in Britain add weight to the significance of Trump's visit.

Ryan Wain, executive director of politics at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, noted that while the pageantry of the visit is important, the underlying strategic goals are crucial. "Most analysts have a licensed idea of Trump being a deal-maker and transactional, and I think that's a fair assessment," he said. Wain emphasized that mutual benefit will be key to the success of the visit.

In a notable development, California-based tech companies Nvidia and OpenAI are expected to announce significant investments in UK data centers during Trump's visit. Wain concluded that understanding Trump's strategic interests is essential for evaluating the outcomes of the trip, stating, "I'm sure he'll enjoy shaking hands with the King. I mean, who wouldn't? But I think he's arriving in the UK with a bigger strategic goal in mind."