With King Charles’ divisive visit to the US just weeks away, one royal expert has warned that the monarch will have his work cut out for him as unpredictable Trump could wreak havoc
King Charles looks set to face one of his biggest diplomatic tests ever when he heads to the US in just over a week’s time to be hosted by Donald Trump.
Him and Queen Camilla will make the four-day trip to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence and herald the start of celebrations across the US.
However, it is not without its huge controversy. Despite the US president recently describing Charles as a “great man” he has repeatedly lashed out at Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is not supportive of his war in Iran. Trump insists the tensions would “not at all” overshadow the royal visit.
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However, despite Trump’s insistence, one royal expert believes that due to the US president’s erratic nature, the palace will be on toes. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes that Trump, who has been known for his unpredictable comments, may be worrying Charles with potentially embarrassing questions posed to the monarch.
Jennie told the Mirror : “I don’t think they’d be human if they hadn’t thought through a few possible awkward scenarios: Trump saying something outrageous, random questions about not meeting Epstein‘s victims, or banners asking what the royal family knew about Andrew.
“I imagine the King and Queen have had a few private conversations about how it all might pan out…especially if the war in Iran reignites. And I’m sure the King and the Prime Minister have talked things through.”
While Charles is likely to have his work cut out for him on the visit, Jennie believes that the King will likely have a script of rehearsed answers to fend off any awkward moments, and given his experience with difficult situations, will handle Trump’s erratic nature with ease.
“The visit has been carefully choreographed to head off any embarrassing situations, so the chances are it will all run smoothly,” Jennie said. “It is, however, one of the trickiest State visits that Charles, or indeed his mother, has had to undertake.
“But he is an accomplished and experienced diplomat and he will undoubtedly keep the focus on the main purpose of the visit: to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.”
Despite confidence in the King to navigate difficult situations with Trump, Jennie believes it is well within the realm of possibility for the US president to throw a spanner in the works and say something to offend Charles and the British government.
Jennie said: “Nevertheless, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear one or two subtle and delicately nuanced remarks from the King – who privately made his feelings known when President Trump publicly trashed Britain’s military contribution in past conflicts.”
As with each state visit, the King and President Trump will exchange a series of gifts. And according to Jennie, this could be Charles’ opportunity to make a poignant statement to the US government.
“The Palace is skilled at finding meaningful gifts for occasions like this,” Jennie explained. “When the President was here last year he was presented with a bespoke, hand bound leather volume to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, as well as the Union Flag that flew above Buckingham Palace on the day of his inauguration.
“So I’m sure they’ll come up with something special this time too. How about a model of one of our Royal Navy warships which the President mocked as ‘toys’? Then again, perhaps not!”
Set to take place between April 27 and 30, Charles and Camilla will begin their visit with a private tea hosted by the President and First Lady, and will also commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
During the state visit, Queen Camilla will meet with organisations advocating for survivors of domestic abuse, while Charles will be unable to meet with victims of Jeffrey Epstein, given the ongoing legal investigation into his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The royal couple will also travel to Virginia to meet residents and community organisations and watch performances by Appalachian cultural groups and attend the 250th anniversary celebration “block party”. At the end of the state visit, Charles will travel solo to Bermuda for a three-day royal visit – his first as King to a British Overseas Territory.
