Buckingham Palace has officially confirmed that King Charles III will not meet with Donald Trump during their overlapping visits to Scotland next week, quashing speculation of an early, unofficial encounter between the monarch and the former U.S. president.
According to GB News, the decision stems from scheduling conflicts, with both the King and Trump having full diaries that prevent any opportunity for a private meeting. As a result, plans for a face-to-face interaction have been postponed until Trump’s formal State Visit to the United Kingdom later this year.
In a recent statement, the Palace announced:
"The President of the United States of America, President Donald J. Trump, accompanied by the First Lady Mrs. Melania Trump, has accepted an invitation from His Majesty The King to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom from 17 September to 19 September 2025."
This visit will mark a notable moment in royal and diplomatic history, as Trump becomes the first modern-era U.S. president to receive two state visits to the U.K., following his 2019 visit under Queen Elizabeth II.
However, the upcoming visit will differ from traditional formats. Trump will not receive a ceremonial carriage procession, stay at Buckingham Palace, or address Parliament—largely due to Parliament being in recess during his visit. Instead, the visit will focus on diplomatic meetings and a formal reception at Windsor Castle.
Trump is expected to be in Turnberry and Aberdeen from July 25 to 29, where meetings are planned with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney.
At the same time, King Charles will travel north to Balmoral Castle, where he will spend the royal family’s traditional summer retreat alongside Prince William, Princess Kate, and their children.
While a Scottish summit is off the table for now, September’s state visit still holds the potential for a significant diplomatic moment between the U.K. and the U.S.—and a rare second royal welcome for a former U.S. president.
