U.S. and Britain are perhaps the closest allies in the world. Both powerful nations also faced unexpected results in their respective elections this year. Brexit for Britain and the shocking but amazing victory of Trump in the U.S. presidential contest. With uncertainties facing Britain with its exit from the European Union, one thing certain it wants to keep is its " special relationship" with the U.S.
As a testament that close ties with the U.S. is a priority for Britain, the Queen extends her gracious invite to President-elect Donald Trump for a state visit next year. The visit tentatively scheduled for June or July next year is meant to cement ties between the two old allies and friends, The Sunday Times newspaper reported.
Two ministers and a senior official close to Downing Street have confirmed that Britain officials and Trump's transition team would soon start discussions to flesh out details of the visit.
Trump has been equally respectful to Britain as he extended an invite to Prime Minister Theresa May after the British leader called to congratulate him for his election victory weeks ago. A schedule for the visit has yet to be set.
Brexit leading campaigner Nigel Farage who had always believed Trump would win the election may have also played a crucial role in opening discussions for Trump's state visit to Britain next year. Farage met with Trump in New York shortly after the Republican's win, becoming the first British official to meet Trump post-election.
Trump may have also successfully turned on the charm when he relayed to Prime Minister May during their phone conversation that his Scottish mother was a huge fan of the Queen.
It may come as a reassurance to observers, if not even his critics, that for all their apprehensions on Trump's foreign policy, he may yet surprise them anew with how savvy and strategic he could be with handling foreign relations, and in maintaining ties that mean a lot to America.
