By Gemma Strong
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There has been controversy surrounding President Donald Trump’s State Visit to the UK this week. But for King Charles , the event provides him with the chance to meet with his friend and penpal, Melania Trump . The unlikely duo first met during Charles’s visit to America in 2005, and they struck up a friendship, keeping in touch over the intervening years through a series of letters. And, according to insiders, there is one area in particular that has bonded the King and the First Lady – the environment. Charles is known to care passionately about the natural world , something he has in common with Melania. Melania spoke about her bond with the monarch in her memoir, in which she revealed she has an “ongoing correspondence with King Charles III”, adding that she and her husband “exchange letters” with the monarch “to this day”. The pair often speak about other shared interests, including architecture, gardens, and the arts. Charles is known to pen handwritten letters, and has written to politicians, celebrities, and everyday people alike. Royal insiders previously confirmed that the King finds letter-writing therapeutic and meaningful. The Trumps arrived in London on Tuesday on Air Force One, when they were greeted by Warren Stephens, US ambassador to the UK, and Viscount Hood, King Charles’s lord-in-waiting. Their official engagements will begin on Wednesday morning when the Trumps are met by the Prince and Princess of Wales before being officially welcomed by King Charles and Queen Camilla . Afterward, the Trumps and the royals will travel through Windsor in a carriage procession escorted by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. As he did during the last state visit, Trump will be invited to inspect the Guard of Honour followed by a march past. It was during the Guard of Honour when Trump accidentally walked in front of the late queen back in 2018. His schedule also includes lunch in the state dining room with members of the royal family . Trump will be invited to lay a wreath at Queen Elizabeth’s grave at St George’s Chapel, where he and the first lady will be given a brief tour. The highlight of Trump’s state visit will be Wednesday night’s state banquet, which will be held in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle, where there is a table that can seat up to 160 people. On Thursday, President Trump will leave Windsor for Chequers, the country residence of the British prime minister, where he will attend meetings with Prime Minister Starmer and join a business reception hosted by Chancellor Rachel Reeves . Melania, meanwhile, will stay at Windsor with Queen Camilla and Princess Kate for a number of engagements before joining the president on Thursday evening.
