Prince William to meet Obama in the Oval Office on American trip

The meeting will take place on during three-day trip to the US

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama met Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace back in 2011 (Getty Images)

Prince William has been invited to the Oval Office for a meeting with Barack Obama that has been described by the White House as underscoring the importance of the ‘special relationship’.

The meeting will take place on Monday during the Duke of Cambridge’s three-day trip to the US where he is expected to give a speech on combating illegal trafficking of wildlife at the World Bank Group's International Corruption Hunters Alliance Conference.

"The president welcomes the Prince's work in this global fight against what is both a national security threat and a devastating environmental problem," said a White House spokesman. "This visit underscores the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom."

Last month, American journalists were surprised to receive a note stipulating the Palace's strict dress code, warning that "casually dressed members of the media will be turned away" from royal engagements.

But a Buckingham spokesperson has since told the Guardian that a dress code would not be enforced, and it would allow the White House to determine appropriate attire.

The trip comes after Princes Charles and Prince William attended an international conference held in London in February, where a declaration was signed on fighting the illegal trade in wildlife, BBC News reported.

Prince William previously met Mr Obama during the president’s State Visit to the UK in 2011. The president is said to have developed friendly relations with the Royal Family during the visit – Michelle Obama, the First Lady, was famously seen risking a breach with royal protocol by putting a friendly arm round the Queen.

The prince will be accompanied on his trip to the US by his wife, Kate, who will join the first lady of New York City, Chirlane McCray, on a visit to a local child development centre.

While in the US the Duke and Duchess will attend events in support of their Royal Foundation and other organisations. Engagements include promoting sustainable conservation issues, young people's mental health and supporting disadvantaged young people.