Amidst the ongoing debate over President Donald Trump’s State Visit to the UK this week, King Charles III looks forward to reuniting with his longtime friend and penpal, Melania Trump. The unexpected companions first met during Charles’s visit to the US in 2005 and have maintained their friendship through regular correspondence.
Their mutual passion for environmental issues has been a cornerstone of their bond, with both expressing deep concern for the natural world. Melania has openly discussed her ongoing communication with King Charles III, emphasizing the value they place on exchanging letters about various shared interests, such as architecture, gardens, and the arts.
Known for his penchant for handwritten letters, Charles finds solace and significance in the act of writing, reaching out to individuals from all walks of life. The Trumps’ arrival in London on Air Force One marked the beginning of their official engagements, where they were warmly greeted by US Ambassador Warren Stephens and King Charles’s lord-in-waiting, Viscount Hood.
The official proceedings are set to commence on Wednesday, with the Trumps meeting the Prince and Princess of Wales before receiving a formal welcome from King Charles and Queen Camilla. A ceremonial carriage procession through Windsor, escorted by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, will follow. President Trump will participate in inspecting the Guard of Honour and a march past, a tradition he inadvertently disrupted during his last state visit in 2018.
The itinerary includes a lunch with members of the royal family in the state dining room, as well as a visit to Queen Elizabeth’s grave at St George’s Chapel for a wreath-laying ceremony and a brief tour. The highlight of the state visit will be the grand state banquet on Wednesday evening at St George’s Hall in Windsor Castle, where a table capable of seating up to 160 guests awaits.
On Thursday, President Trump will travel to Chequers, the UK Prime Minister’s country residence, for meetings with Prime Minister Starmer and a business reception hosted by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Melania, on the other hand, will remain at Windsor with Queen Camilla and Princess Kate for various engagements before rejoining the president in the evening.
