Donald Trump makes King Charles announcement amid concerns over US state visit
King Charles and Queen Camilla are reportedly planning a trip across the pond to celebrate US independence
Donald Trump has claimed that King Charles will travel to the United States “very shortly” for a state visit, despite growing political concerns over the timing.
The US President made the remarks while hosting Micheál Martin at the White House on St Patrick’s Day, telling reporters he was looking forward to meeting the monarch.
“I do look forward to seeing the king,” Mr Trump said. “He’s going to be coming, as you know, very shortly.”
Donald Trump announces King Charles US visit
Trump also used the opportunity to criticise UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Relations between Washington and London have reportedly become strained amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Asked whether his relationship with the prime minister had been damaged, the president said Starmer had made “a big mistake” in his response to US calls for support.
Trump has previously criticised Britain’s position on the conflict. He described the UK’s approach as “terrible” and called Keir “not Winston Churchill”.
Meanwhile, the prime minister has insisted Britain will not be drawn into a “wider war”.
Although the trip has not been officially confirmed by Buckingham Palace, it is believed that the king and Queen Camilla could travel to Washington and New York in April.
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The visit would mark celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence. However, the proposed trip has sparked debate among British politicians.
‘It would be safer to delay it’
Labour MP Emily Thornberry has warned the timing could be difficult given the international situation.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4, she suggested postponing the trip may be sensible.
“If it was to go ahead, it would go ahead against a backdrop of a war,” she said, adding that the last thing anyone would want is for “their Majesties [to be] embarrassed”.
She added: “I suspect it would be safer to delay it. But I don’t know the details.”
However, others have argued that the royal visit should proceed.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the king as “a huge asset to our country” and said the anniversary celebrations were an important moment that should transcend political disagreements.
Meanwhile, Reform UK Nigel Farage argued that worsening relations between Trump and Starmer make the visit even more important.
“There are considerable tensions between the American President and British Prime Minister,” he said, as reported by GB News. “I would say that makes the king’s visit even more imperative.”
US trip is ‘problematic’ amid war
Former UK ambassador to the US Peter Westmacott has also warned the trip could be difficult while the conflict continues.
Speaking to The Times, he said the government has “a duty to protect the monarchy in a situation like this”.
“I personally think that at the moment, while this war is continuing, it is problematic,” he said.
Westmacott suggested postponing the trip, rather than cancelling it outright, may help avoid further diplomatic tensions between the UK and the US.
Royal Insider has contacted reps for Buckingham Palace for comment.
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