Trump's UK visit just got down graded to a “working visit”

Donald Trump is set to visit Britain early in 2018 - but for a stripped-down trip that will not include staying with the Queen.

Diplomats are discussing plans for a “working visit” by the US president that will be shorn of the pomp and flummery of a full-blown State Visit.

And instead of a red carpet event to showcase the special relationship, it is likely to form part of a tour of several countries by Mr Trump.

The downgrading of Mr Trump’s first trip as President to the UK follows the huge controversy when Theresa May tried to steal a march on other world leaders by offering a State Visit as guest of the Queen that was intended to take place this summer, breaching a convention that the honour is usually reserved for a president’s second term.