‘Judge the mood of the country’: Readers urge King Charles to cancel US state visit

D.Debate over whether the King will go ahead with a planned state visit to the US has sparked a harsh US response Independent Many readers argue the trip should be canceled at a time when tensions between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump are rising.

A recent reader poll found that 72 percent believe the visit should be canceled; This view was widely echoed in the comments.

Many people have said that traveling to the US now would bring an unwelcome diplomatic dividend to Donald Trump and risk being seen as legitimizing policies and rhetoric they strongly oppose. Some have argued that the King’s presence could be interpreted as an endorsement of the current administration, especially given criticism of his approach to foreign policy, immigration and international alliances.

Others questioned whether the visit reflected the public mood at home and suggested the monarchy should be careful about going against public sentiment.

At the same time, many commentators acknowledged that canceling the trip could pose serious diplomatic risks. Some have warned that the snub could spark an unpredictable response from Trump and further strain relations with one of Britain’s most important allies.

Here’s what you need to say:

We are dependent on the USA, whether you like it or not

What a wonderful opportunity to rekindle our student days with such a trivial political gesture as shooting ourselves in the foot. Maybe tomorrow we can occupy the cafeteria or set up a meditation workshop and light candles.

Like it or not (I don’t really care if it’s the latter) we are heavily dependent on the United States economically, financially and militarily. Intentionally provoking a capricious and opinionated POTUS is foolishness. The primary duty of our government is to look after the interests of its citizens, not to behave like petulant children, to indulge in peacock’s wounded pride, or to invite retaliation that could truly damage our economy and cause real hardship for the most vulnerable in our society.

It’s time for adults to stand up. If it means flattering Trump, so be it. Trump won’t be here forever, but the damage he can do now could harm us for a generation. Times are hard enough for most people; Let’s not risk making the situation even more difficult with a useless gesture.

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Gauge the public’s mood

If Charles wants to stop growing discontent with the crown, he needs to assess the mood of the country. I doubt very much that this visit will be supported by many people.

He has stripped Andy of his titles and will soon be disinherited. Now he needs to think about other ‘hangers’ too.

I read in another news source that he was said to be considering ‘giving’ the Royal Lodge to Harry and Meghan. They are a Marmite couple; Love them or hate them, but polls show support is low. Therefore, it will not be appreciated if they own a prestigious property such as their base in the UK. More importantly, it is part of the Crown Estate, it cannot be gifted to it and anyone occupying it must have a commercial lease and lease. Renovations should not be an expense for the taxpayer.

I suspect Charles is having a real hard time adjusting to the new reality. Her mother could do no wrong for many; it hasn’t passed on to him and he will have to work hard if he and the monarchy are to survive.

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Royal visit will be seen as an endorsement

King III. Charles’ state visit to the United States in April 2026, during America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, is not routine diplomacy; It is a seriously wrong decision in the current environment.

The United States is deeply polarized. President Trump’s second term has intensified divisions over immigration, NATO commitments, democratic norms, and executive power. No longer will the royal visit be seen as neutral symbolism; this would likely be interpreted as an endorsement of an administration that has faced criticism – both domestically and internationally – for democratic backsliding.

In addition, the Trump administration’s aggressive enforcement of immigration has led to widespread reports of foreign tourists and visitors being detained at borders, even those with valid visas. High-profile cases, including a UK citizen detained for weeks by ICE, have prompted travel warnings from allies such as the UK, Australia and others highlighting the risks of arbitrary detention, device searches and deportation. International tourism to the United States dropped significantly in 2025-2026; The declines attributed to these policies make entry unpredictable and undesirable.

The risk is further heightened by the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein scandal involving the sexual exploitation and trafficking of minors, which continues to implicate elite circles. Prince Andrew’s past ties have already damaged the monarchy. A high-profile appearance will inevitably spark renewed scrutiny, protests and questions that the Crown cannot control.

Political strategists have warned the King risks being weaponized in America’s culture wars.

At a moment defined by division, protest, unresolved scandal, and visible human consequences, participation, no matter how carefully framed, would function as confirmation.

There is no need for the king to give this approval.

Phoenix

Diplomatic risks of cancellation

As much as I agree he shouldn’t go, I’m pretty sure he will! The diplomatic backlash if he cancels will be devastating and Trump, being an absolutely irrational/unstable narcissist, could make the already extremely strained relationship between the UK and the US 100 times worse. We’ve seen what Trump can do, so I’d be really surprised if he doesn’t follow through. Personally, I would like him to cancel and make it clear that his continued criticism of the Trump administration, this country, and the democratically elected government are unacceptable. Start building closer relations with the EU and accept that the so-called ‘special relationship’ is over, assuming there really was such a relationship in the first place!

Fruit T-Bunn

Stay away from a once promising relationship

I am a strong Royalist; I believe that our system of a democratic head of government with a hereditary stance against despotism and civil war (as it has functioned perfectly since 1688) is a treasure that must be protected at almost all costs.

My message to my ruler is: “Do not treat the orange as a reliable partner.” He may love you, but you shouldn’t love him at all and you don’t need him.

Monarchists like me will never have a problem with you backing away from a once-promising relationship.

Nick Adler

Cancel for security reasons

The royal visit should never have been put on the calendar, given Trumplethinskin’s threats to invade Canada (where Charles is head of state) and Greenland (part of the UK’s close ally Denmark).

Given Trump’s unlawful invasion of a sovereign country, his use of armed storm troops against any brown-skinned US resident (citizen or not), his wholesale disdain for international law, his blatant misogyny, and the thousands of remarks he made in the Epstein files, the visit should absolutely be canceled.

The King visiting Dumpy Trumpty would be like him visiting Putin while Ukraine is still under attack.

Given Charles’ recent medical problems, it would have been easy for Buckingham Palace to issue a statement saying the visit would be postponed due to a specific medical issue, and then reschedule it for after the next presidential election.

Actually

Interaction is more important

I don’t think we should cancel the visit. Even though relations are strained, participation is even more important. If we stoop to Trump’s level, we make it easier for him to bully us. He doesn’t like personal confrontations and prefers to say bad things from afar.

If we are there, our King representing the United Kingdom will strengthen us, not weaken us. Disconnecting may feel good in the short term, but it is counterproductive in the medium and long term.

Servalan

Inevitable

The royal visit to Washington will happen even if Ed Davey or anyone else speaks out against it because Starmer is Trump’s King George III. He knows Charles will react badly to his condescending attitude and then criticize King Charles and Starmer. So Trump is someone who needs to be appeased by the British government and the royal family. Trump doesn’t care much about the “special relationship” between the US and the UK because he thinks the UK needs the US more than it does. King Charles’s official visit to Washington will be proof that Trump can say something bad about England, but the British government will still send King Charles to maintain the “special relationship”.

Stacey Benoit

Some of the comments in this article have been edited for brevity and clarity.

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