Trump to meet the Queen during visit

DONALD TRUMP will meet the Queen during his visit to the UK next month, the American ambassador to London confirmed yesterday as he said it would be the “most important thing” on his itinerary.

Woody Johnson said “various scenarios” were being planned for the working visit on July 13, but they all involved seeing the Queen.

The trip – Mr Trump’s first to the UK as president – is not a state visit, so he would not necessarily be expected to see the Queen. But asked whether US plans involved a meeting with the monarch, Mr Johnson told Sky News: “Yes, I mean he has to see the head of state. Putting his foot on the ground of British soil is ‘job one’ – very important, very symbolic. Meeting Her Majesty is the most important thing, because she is head of state.”

It was also reported yesterday that Mr Trump is preparing to meet Russian president Vladimir Putin during his visit to Europe, with Vienna being touted as a possible location.

The meet would raise concerns among Whitehall officials, given the US president’s recent calls to see Russia readmitted to the G8 at a time of heightened tensions with the West following the Salisbury poisoning.

It is rumoured that Melania, his wife, will join Mr Trump in the UK and that the couple may be honoured by the Coldstream Guards when they meet the Queen, which is expected to take place at Windsor Castle.

The US leader’s long-delayed trip could be extended to last up to three days. Friday, July 13 has been chosen as the date because Mr Trump, who is known not to enjoy long-distance travel, is to be in Brussels for a Nato meeting on July 11-12.

It comes after The Daily Telegraph revealed he is expected to play golf with Prince Andrew at the Trump Turnberry course.

Amid fears of mass protests at his visit, Mr Trump is expected largely to avoid the capital, however.

It has been reported that he could meet with Theresa May at the Prime Minister’s Chequers retreat.