US President Donald Trump’s proposed state visit to the UK this year looks in doubt after Queen Elizabeth II did not make a reference to it in her traditional speech on Wednesday that marks the opening of the UK Parliament.
The state visit, which was expected around August/ September and according to some reports even October this year, has been at the centre of a number of protests and controversy.
There had been speculation that the visit may be postponed this year to avoid Trump being greeted by protesters outside Downing Street. The Queen’s Speech only contained a reference to welcoming King Felipe and Queen letizia of Spain in July even though British Prime Minister Theresa May had extended an invitation for a state visit to the US President on behalf of the British monarch during her visit to Washington in January, which had been accepted.