Donald Trump will not be offered second state visit when he returns to White House
DONALD Trump is set to miss out on a second state visit when he returns to the White House.
The President-elect’s love for the royals is one of the strongest cards in PM Sir Keir Starmer’s hand as he tries to woo Trump.
But ministers have been told it is unprecedented for any US leader to get two state visits.
Instead, Trump is likely to be offered a high-profile trip, which would include meeting the King — but fall short of all the bells and whistles he got in 2019.
His last tour had the full ceremonial welcome, followed by a banquet in Buckingham Palace’s ballroom with 150 guests.
His next visit would likely be similar to engagements in 2018 when he met Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle.
He joined her for afternoon tea before inspecting a Guard of Honour — and was seen breaking protocol by walking in front of the monarch.
Trump’s affection for the King was highlighted in a documentary filmed during the US election.
Pointing to a picture of him and wife Melania with Charles and Camilla, he spoke of his wish that the King beats cancer.
He said: “It’s a piece of history. Hopefully he’s going to be well, because he’s a really good person.
“Camilla is fantastic. You get to know them so well.”
He then showed a photo of himself and Melania alongside the late Queen, adding: “This is Queen Elizabeth, who was fantastic by the way. I mean, who has images like this?”
Trump has angrily dismissed claims made in a book this year that the late Queen found him “very rude”, responding that he was her “favourite president”.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir is trying to invest “more deeply than ever” in the special relationship with the US.
In a major speech on Monday, the PM said the States had provided the “cornerstone of our security for over a century.”
Trump will be sworn in as president again on January 20.