Princess Catherine expected to lead US President Donald Trump's welcome to the UK
Trump on Tuesday concluded a four-day private trip to Scotland — which drew crowds of protestors — during which he visited his two Scottish golf courses and opened a new one bearing his name.
He also met with UK Prime Minster Sir Keir Starmer who at a February meeting of the leaders in Washington had extended an 'unprecedented' invitation from King Charles for an official state visit.
Traditionally, second-term presidents are not offered a state visit and have instead been invited for tea or lunch with the monarch.
From September 17-19, Trump will be involved in a series of formal meetings with Starmer and government officials but it is the royal ceremonial events that are likely to draw the most attention.
While King Charles III will play a key role, royal watchers anticipate Princess Catherine will be the face of this historic engagement.
'At the heart of the hugely important state visit will be King Charles and another key royal,' online independent royal news source Royal Central said.
'For the Princess of Wales is expected to play a major part in this historic event.
'There's every expectation that William and Kate will lead on welcoming the American delegation as well as participating in various aspects of the visit.'
When French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte touched down in London on July 8, it was the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, who welcomed the dignitaries.
At a state banquet held for the French president, the princess was front and centre.
Catherine wore Queen Mary's Lover's Knot tiara — her first tiara-wearing moment since revealing her cancer diagnosis in March 2024 and stepping back from royal duties while she underwent treatment.
She wore a dark red Givenchy evening gown designed by Sarah Burton, who also designed her wedding dress.
Trump's first official state visit to the UK was in June 2019, about two years into his first presidential term.
Alongside first lady Melania Trump, he met then-queen Elizabeth II after arriving in the gardens of Buckingham Palace via helicopter.
This was followed by a visit to Westminster Abbey, and later a state banquet with then-prime minister Theresa May in attendance.
When extending the invitation for a second state visit, Starmer said: 'This is really special. This has never happened before. Unprecedented.
'I think that just symbolises the strength of the relationship between us.
'I think the last state visit was a tremendous success. His Majesty the King wants to make this even better than that. So, this is ... truly historic.'
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