Donald Trump is set to visit Britain as early as January in a scaled-down “working” trip that would not see him meet the Queen or stay at Buckingham Palace.

A senior US diplomatic figure told this newspaper that the American President may be flown in to open the country’s new London embassy.

The move would avoid the controversy surrounding Mr Trump’s state visit, which was offered by Theresa May within days of his inauguration but is yet to take place.

MPs from across the political aisle criticised the invitation at the time and John Bercow, the Commons Speaker, announced he would oppose an address to Parliament.

Plans now being worked up would see Mr Trump visit London early next year, meeting with British counterparts and the new US ambassador Woody Johnson.

A US diplomatic source told The Telegraph: “There are plenty of chances to get the President over here. We are opening our new embassy soon.”