King Charles facing 'huge conundrum' over Donald Trump's state visit to UK
Donald Trump will be visiting the UK later this year
King Charles reportedly faces a “huge conundrum” as preparations for Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK move ahead.
According to GB News royal correspondent Cameron Walker, the king finds himself in a “constitutionally awkward position,” balancing his dual role as monarch of both the United Kingdom and Canada.
This is complicated by Trump’s previous remarks implying Canada could become America’s 51st state. His comments have drawn anger from Canadian officials.
King Charles in ‘huge conundrum’ over Donald Trump state visit
Despite reported hopes within Buckingham Palace for a more “leisurely and considered approach,” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reportedly pushed forward with plans for a full state visit this September.
“[Keir Starmer] wants the king to essentially butter up President Trump,” Cameron explained.
“Trump has a huge fascination with the royal family, a genuine love for it. So the king rolling out the red carpet at Windsor Castle is a massive win for Keir Starmer.”
While the palace had hoped to build toward a full state visit more gradually, Starmer is said to be prioritising the optics of a strong UK-US alliance.
Meanwhile, Cameron emphasised the pressure King Charles is under as sovereign of multiple nations.
“It’s a huge conundrum,” he said. “Mark Carney [Canada’s PM] and others in Canada are said to be very disappointed. As are many Canadians, with the UK Government for inviting President Trump for a state visit.”
GB News host Andrew Pierce echoed the sentiment: “I could never quite understand how it was supposed to be a diplomatic success when we’ve had the President of the United States effectively trying to turn Canada into the 51st state. And, of course, Canada is one of the king’s realms.”
Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK
Amid speculation, Buckingham Palace has now confirmed that King Charles will host the US President later this year.
A palace aide told the BBC: “His Majesty has known President Trump for many years and looks forward to hosting him and the First Lady later this year.”
Planning is now underway. While dates haven’t yet been confirmed, it’s said the visit could happen in September.
The formal invitation, known as the “Manu Regia”, was hand-delivered to the White House last week.
The king rolling out the red carpet at Windsor Castle is a massive win for Keir Starmer.
The king had sent a letter to Trump back in February, delivered by Starmer during his visit to the White House. The letter proposed they meet in Scotland to “plan the state visit together”.
However, now, due to their busy schedules, they won’t meet in the summer.
Also in the letter, Charles noted that “a second state visit by a US President was unprecedented”.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke out in May. He has stated that his government is “not impressed” by the UK’s move to welcome Trump, especially without reassurances from Trump about his Canadian comments.
For now, all eyes are on Windsor as the UK prepares to host one of its most controversial guests, yet again.
Royal Insider has contacted reps for Buckingham Palace for comment.
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