“I made him a proposal that is almost irresistible, which is not to be a State visit because the King makes one, two State visits a year and they are very long [and] traditional”, Marcelo told journalists.

The Portuguese head of state suggested instead that the British monarch's trip to Portugal "be a short visit, focused on what interests him, which is seeing the new Portugal in energy, digital, sustainable nature, and being with the British community".

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expects the response to be positive, despite Charles III's busy schedule.

The head of state ended today a visit to London to commemorate the 650th anniversary of the Luso-British Alliance.