King Charles is believed to be heading to the United States next month on a state visit – and one expert believes it will prove a very tricky trip
The King has had no shortage of daunting issues to tackle since taking the throne – and another one is looming on the horizon. It is understood that Charles is set to undertake a huge state visit to the United States next month at what it a rocky time for the UK’s special relationship with America.
President Donald Trump has seemingly had a fallout with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his refusal to allow initial US strikes on Iran from British bases. In recent days, Trump repeated his assertion that Britain’s response to the Iran War had been “very disappointing” and that it should be allowing America to use its bases “without question or hesitation”.
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He also said he was “not happy with the UK” and, in a personal attack on the Prime Minister, added: “This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with.” When it comes to the King, he seemingly has a very different bond with the president, who has often remarked how he is a great man.
But with a meeting between Trump and Charles looking likely in the coming weeks, royal expert Jennie Bond believes it will place much pressure on the King to smooth over relations.
The former BBC royal correspondent told the Mirror : “Honestly, who would want the King‘s job? The diplomatic tightrope he now has to walk to keep the so-called special relationship with the United States on track must be daunting. Trump flip-flops in his opinion of our Prime Minister and has recently been hurling quite personal insults at him.
“If the King and Queen do indeed head to the States in the next few weeks, the pressure on them both will be intense. They will be dealing with a man with a hugely inflated ego who seems set on bringing the world to the brink of another global war.
“Charles must sometimes think: ‘Just give me a break!’ He has had so much to contend with in these early years of his reign: the Harry problem, the Andrew crisis, his own cancer diagnosis and now this dangerous conflict. I’m sure it’s not how he envisaged it would turn out when he became King.”
Charles and Camilla will reportedly spend just three days Stateside next month, with his official visit taking place on the East Coast of the country, where it is said he will spend time in Washington, New York and an unconfirmed third destination.
The visit is believed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence from Britain.
It is understood that Trump’s administration is planning a string of events to mark the 250-year anniversary of the founding of the United States, with the royal visit being a “major moment” in the run-up to the July 4 Independence Day celebrations. And for Jennie, if anyone is qualified enough to get the so-called ‘special relationship’ back on track, it’s the King.
She explained: “Trump worships at the altar of the British monarchy, and perhaps the King is one of the few people he might listen to. But Charles is not a politician and must remain above politics, so he will have to choose his words very carefully.
“Fortunately, he is skilled in diplomacy – just as his mother was – and perhaps by flattering Trump‘s ego and honouring the celebrations of 250 years of independence, the King can smooth over the troubled waters currently buffeting UK/US relations.”
