An announcement of an upcoming State Visit by US President Donald Trump to the UK is expected imminently.
According to the BBC’s North America Editor Jon Sopel, the White House will announce in next 48 hours that President Trump will undertake an official State Visit in June.
BREAKING: I understand that @WhiteHouse will announce in next 48 hours that @realDonaldTrump will make a state visit to the UK in June
— Jon Sopel (@BBCJonSopel) April 22, 2019
Normally State Visits are announced months in advance and require heavy planning, and it is thought the reason for the hurry is partly down to the ongoing political uncertainty in the UK over Brexit.
During his visit, President Trump will likely enjoy a state banquet at Buckingham Palace attended by The Queen and senior members of The Royal Family.
However, the finer details are still unclear. It is not known for example whether the President will be treated to a carriage ride down The Mall, or whether he will address both Houses of Parliament.
Speaking in 2017, the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, said that in the event of Donald Trump undertaking a State Visit to the UK, he would block any attempt by the President to address Parliament in Westminster Hall.
At the time, Mr Bercow said: “I would not wish to issue an invitation to President Trump to speak in the Royal Gallery.
“I feel very strongly that our opposition to racism and to sexism, and our support for equality before the law and an independent judiciary are hugely important considerations in the House of Commons.”
President Trump’s State Visit will coincide with his trip to Normandy in June to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings.
The President last visited the UK in July 2018 for a working visit where he met The Queen at Windsor.
At the time he was accused of breaking royal protocol after he walked in front of Her Majesty as he inspected her guards.
When the White House and Downing Street formally announce plans for a State Visit, Royal Central will bring it to you.
