Donald Trump 'invites one of UK's best assets' to state dinner with King Charles as big visit nears
President Trump visits the UK this month!In a significant diplomatic move, Dame Karen Pierce, former British Ambassador to the United States, has reportedly received an invitation from US President Donald Trump to attend the state dinner at Windsor Castle with King Charles.
This prestigious occasion forms part of Trump’s upcoming state visit to the United Kingdom, which will take place from September 17 to 19.
The invitation highlights Dame Karen Pierce’s pivotal role in international diplomacy and her lasting influence on UK-US relations.
Reason Donald Trump’s UK state visit is ‘unprecedented’
President Trump’s visit is historically important, as it will mark an “unprecedented” second state visit to the UK as a serving American president.
Traditionally, US presidents during a second term are invited for a less formal engagement, such as lunch or tea with the monarch, rather than a full state visit.
The decision to extend this honour once again to Trump underscores the enduring significance of the reported special relationship between the UK and the US.
The visit will be hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. Events will include a full ceremonial welcome and a state banquet dinner.
However, some traditional elements have been set aside. Trump will not stay at Buckingham Palace due to ongoing renovation works at the royal residence.
Trump’s ‘invitation to Karen Pierce’ for state dinner with King Charles
Dame Karen Pierce, who served as British Ambassador to the US from March 2020 until February 2025, played a crucial role in strengthening transatlantic ties during a turbulent period in global politics.
A source has told the Telegraph that Dame Karen is “one of the UK’s best assets”. The insider added: “The president has always seen Karen as one of the UK’s best assets and he’s grown close to her over a number of years so it felt only right that she’d be there for his second state visit.”
The publication reports that the state banquet will welcome around 160 guests. These are expected to include senior politicians, members of the royal family, and public figures with strong links to the UK and the US. Alongside the banquet, Trump’s itinerary will other engagements, though specific details remain limited.
Why Ed Davey has ‘boycotted’ state dinner invitation
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has said he has “boycotted” an invitation to attend the state dinner during Trump’s visit.
He told The Guardian that he had “thought and prayed long and hard” about whether or not he should attend.
Read more: Donald Trump’s state dinner with King Charles in UK ‘boycotted’ by politician Ed Davey
Ed said: “I have come to the conclusion that on this occasion I must refuse.”
He did recognise what an “enormous honour” it was to be invited. He also assured everyone he takes his duty “very seriously”.
The politician added: “To refuse an invitation like this goes against all of my instincts.”
Royal Insider has contacted reps for Buckingham Palace on this story.
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