King ‘still set to visit US’ despite growing tensions between Starmer and Trump over Iran
The King is set to visit the US next month despite rising tensions between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump over Iran, according to reports.
Charles, who is on a three-day trip at a tense time due to private relations, is reportedly expected to be greeted with a show of American military might.
The overseas tour has not yet been officially announced, but the King and Queen are expected to visit Washington and New York to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is believed to have accompanied the royal family following an escalating war of words between the prime minister and the president over the Middle East crisis.
Mr Trump said on Tuesday he was “looking forward” to meeting Charles “very shortly” despite calls for the historic royal trip to be postponed.
Asked whether his relationship with Sir Keir had been damaged by Britain’s stance on the war, Mr Trump said the prime minister had made a “big mistake” in his response to calls for US support and suggested his efforts to strike a “good deal” on trade with Britain were “probably not appreciated”.
The US president has previously described Britain’s approach to the conflict as “appalling” and has repeatedly harshly criticized Sir Keir, including describing him as “no Winston Churchill”, as private relations between the two allied nations become increasingly strained.
However Times He reported that Charles’ trip from 27 to 29 April would be apolitical and that no major policy announcements were expected.
According to the newspaper, the White House, Buckingham Palace and the British government are determined that the visit should go ahead so that the King can pay tribute to the Americans for their independence anniversary and after six months of planning that included royal aides on a “reconnaissance” of the United States.
“This will be an important visit from the King for the American people,” a source with knowledge of the plans said. Times.
The monarch will reportedly make a speech to Congress highlighting the close ties between the UK and the US.
Mr Trump was welcomed with a second state visit to the UK last year, unprecedented for an American leader.
The royal family’s soft power diplomacy is seen as an important and unique way to transform the billionaire-turned-politician known for his love of the monarchy.
Senior Labor MP Dame Emily Thornberry is among those suggesting it would be “safer to postpone” Charles and Camilla’s state visit because of the Iran war, warning they could feel “embarrassed” by the current crisis.
A recent YouGov poll found that 46 per cent of Britons believe the King should cancel the state visit and not travel to the US this year, while 36 per cent say it should go ahead and 18 per cent are unaware.
