Fate of King Charles's Visit to the US Hangs in the Balance, Caught in Trump-Starmer Feud
The “red carpet” diplomacy orchestrated by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to soften Donald Trump’s stance appears to have reached a dead end. Now, the planned state visit by King Charles III to the United States scheduled for April is shrouded in uncertainty.
Initially, Starmer adopted a highly personal approach. During a meeting in the Oval Office last February, the usually stiff and reserved Prime Minister appeared enthusiastic as he handed over an invitation from King Charles. He described this second state visit invitation for Trump as “historic and unprecedented.”
The strategy was clear: Britain aimed to indulge Trump’s fondness for royal grandeur to secure economic interests and military support in Ukraine. However, the diplomatic honeymoon ended swiftly.
Trump’s rhetoric shifted dramatically after Britain refused to provide full support for US military operations against Iran. The unfiltered Trump began launching verbal attacks on Starmer.
“This isn’t Winston Churchill we’re dealing with,” Trump remarked on 3 March. He even mocked Britain as no longer a “first-class ally” (Rolls-Royce of allies) after London declined to send warships to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz without lengthy team discussions.
Amid the barrage of criticism from the White House, politicians in London began voicing concerns. Calls emerged to postpone King Charles’s visit, planned to commemorate the 250th anniversary of US independence.
“The last thing we want is for His Majesty to feel embarrassed,” said Emily Thornberry, a Labour Party MP. She believes the government must reconsider proceeding with the visit amid the toxic atmosphere.
Former British Ambassador to the US, Peter Westmacott, assessed that Starmer’s strategy of managing Trump’s ego through composure has reached its limit. “There will come a moment when the government decides that the risk of proceeding with the visit outweighs the risk of offending Donald Trump’s feelings,” Westmacott stated.
Interestingly, amid the dispute with Starmer, Trump has openly looked forward to King Charles’s arrival. He once praised Charles as a “great man” and plans to welcome him in the newly grand White House hall.
However, Trump’s inconsistency serves as a warning bell for Downing Street. If the visit goes ahead, there is a risk that King Charles could be caught in Trump’s speeches that often attack UK government policies. On the other hand, unilaterally cancelling the visit also risks provoking the President’s wrath.
To date, Downing Street remains silent and reluctant to confirm details of the King’s travel plans. Domestically, pressure on Starmer has eased as his political opponents—including Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch—have softened and agreed that Britain must not recklessly get dragged into another foreign war.
Now, the hot potato is in Starmer’s hands: preserving the monarchy’s dignity or continuing to seek approval from the “King” of the Oval Office.