President Trump has expressed admiration for King Charles once more and reassured that his strained relationship with PM Keir Starmer will not affect the monarch’s upcoming state visit to the US. The US leader has criticized the Prime Minister for decisions related to the North Sea drilling and immigration, hinting at potential changes to the UK-US trade deal. King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to visit the US from April 27 to 30 amidst tensions in the transatlantic relationship following Trump’s criticisms of the UK and other Nato allies. The visit, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American independence, will include various celebratory events in the US.
In an interview following the release of details regarding the King’s US itinerary, Trump praised Charles as a “great gentleman,” emphasizing their longstanding acquaintance. Despite his disagreements with Sir Keir, Trump affirmed that the royal visit would not be overshadowed by political tensions. Trump went on to critique Starmer’s decisions on oil drilling and immigration, expressing disappointment over the UK and Nato allies not supporting the US in conflicts like the one in Iran.
The President mentioned the US providing a favorable trade deal to the UK but hinted at the possibility of altering the terms. The royal visit will feature engagements such as attending an American Block Party in Virginia, where locals will engage with the royals in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. The King and Queen will be received informally by President Trump and the First Lady in Washington before engaging in various events, including a formal ceremony at the White House.
During the visit, the King is scheduled to address Congress, an occasion that has only been undertaken by one other British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1991. The itinerary also includes visits to significant sites like the 9/11 memorial in New York and engagements in Virginia. Following the US visit, Queen Camilla will return to the UK while King Charles will head to Bermuda from May 1-2, marking his inaugural visit as Sovereign to a British Overseas Territory.
The King’s Bermuda trip will involve educational engagements, including exploring a museum exhibition on Bermuda’s history and discussions with the UK Space Agency regarding space sustainability initiatives.