A state visit to the UK by US President-elect Donald Trump during 2017 is "under consideration", Downing Street has confirmed.
No details of the proposed itinerary have yet been revealed, but an event of this kind normally involves a ceremonial welcome and a banquet hosted by the Queen in the honour of the visitor, who is often invited to stay as Her Majesty's guest at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.
Reports over the weekend suggested that Trump was being lined up for an invitation to meet the Queen next year as ministers ponder how to cement the "special relationship" and strike a free trade deal with the United States.
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An early visit to the UK from Trump would also allow Prime Minister Theresa May to swat away claims that Nigel Farage has closer links to the controversial tycoon, which have been dismissed by Downing Street.
Asked about the reports, May's official spokeswoman said: "An invitation for a state visit is one of the things that is under consideration following the election of the new US president."
The spokeswoman said that around two state visits are normally arranged each year, and that Trump is under consideration as a potential guest during 2017.
She confirmed that any such visit would have to come after the new president is inaugurated on January 20.
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