President Trump Personally Invites Dame Karen Pierce to UK State Banquet Hosted by King Charles, Ahead of His Historic Second State Visit
When I first saw that President Trump had personally invited Dame Karen Pierce—the former British ambassador to the U.S.—to the upcoming state banquet at Windsor Castle, I couldn’t help but pause. It’s not every day a head of state sends a surprise invitation to a diplomat who has just concluded her tenure. Dame Karen Pierce served in Washington from 2020 until early 2025, making history as the first woman to serve as Britain’s ambassador to both the United Nations and the United States. More than that, she quickly earned a reputation as “one of the UK’s best assets,” trusted across political lines for her keen diplomacy and thoughtful approach.
The sweep of this visit is remarkable. Scheduled from September 17 to 19, 2025, it marks the first time a U.S. president has undertaken a second state visit to the U.K., an honor typically extended only once. Trump’s formal invitation was hand-delivered to the White House earlier this year—a personal invitation from King Charles himself.
This state visit will take place with great discretion. Because Buckingham Palace is under renovation, Windsor Castle has been chosen as the venue. Trump will bypass some of the usual pomp: there will be no speech to Parliament and no Buckingham route procession, partly because Parliament will be in recess at that time. Still, a state banquet is on the agenda—with roughly 150 to 160 distinguished guests from both countries expected, including royals, lawmakers, and cultural figures.
Inviting Dame Karen is striking in its nuance. Though she’s no longer in the U.S., the gesture speaks volumes about both her personal standing and the symbolic weight of diplomacy. She’s expected to potentially cross paths with the current British ambassador, Lord Peter Mandelson—who took over when she stepped down. Mandelson, famously a fierce Trump critic until earlier this year, has since softened his tone, even saying he holds Trump in renewed respect and plans to work constructively in his role.
Looking at the broader picture, this visit is about more than ceremony. It’s steeped in the soft diplomacy that builds alliances and eases tensions. Trump’s admiration for the royal family—and Britain’s effort to engage—reflect the enduring “special relationship” between the U.K. and U.S., even when personalities change.
I find myself reflecting on how gestures like this—inviting a diplomat who helped shape a tumultuous partnership—reshape the narrative. There’s something quietly powerful in honoring someone whose service bridged two nations in challenging times. And this isn’t just protocol—it’s a personal salute.
