Earlier this week, on Thursday, 27 February, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented US President Donald Trump with a hand-signed letter from King Charles III, containing a ‘unique’ and unprecedented request.
Starmer handed the letter to Trump moments after they sat down in the Oval Office, emphasizing its significance by stating, “This is really special. This has never happened before. This is unprecedented.”
He added, “This is truly historic.”
The letter extended an invitation to President Trump for a historic second state visit to the United Kingdom. His first state visit was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2019.
In the letter, partially obscured by Trump’s hand, King Charles III wrote: “I can only say that it would be… a pleasure to extend that invitation once again, in the hope that you… at some stage, might visit Turnberry. A detour to a relatively nearby location might not cause you too much inconvenience. Alternatively, you could consider visiting Balmoral.”
The King continued, “There is much on both estates that I believe you might find interesting and enjoyable—particularly as my foundation at Dumfries House provides hospitality skills training for young people, many of whom go on to work in your own establishments.”
The letter further elaborated: “Apart from offering an opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, this visit would also provide a valuable chance to plan a historic second state visit to the United Kingdom.”
King Charles emphasized the uniqueness of the invitation, stating, “As you will know, this is unprecedented for a US President. That is why I would find it helpful for us to discuss together a range of options for the location and program content.”
He concluded the letter by expressing his confidence in strengthening bilateral ties: “In doing so, working together, I know we will further enhance the special relationship between our two countries, of which we are both so proud.” The letter was personally signed by the King with the words, “Yours Most Sincerely, Charles.”
Upon receiving the letter, Trump expressed his gratitude, calling it a “great, great honour.” He remarked, “And that says at Windsor—that’s really something.”
Trump accepted the King’s invitation, making him the only elected political leader in modern history to be invited to two state visits by a British monarch.
Clearly moved by the gesture, Trump took a moment to praise King Charles, saying, “He’s a beautiful man, a wonderful man—I’ve gotten to know him very well, actually, during my first term and now my second term.”
He added, “We’ve known each other for a little while. This is not our first meeting. He loves his country, and so do I. That’s our common theme. He loves his country, and I love our country.”
The 78-year-old Republican also highlighted the longstanding alliance between the two nations, stating, “We also have two countries that have gotten along for the longest period of time. We are each other’s number one ally. We have France, Australia, and a lot of good ones—but we’ve had a long-time relationship, hundreds of years.”
This historic exchange underscores the enduring bond between the United Kingdom and the United States, further solidifying their special relationship.