In a recent phone interview with the BBC, US President Donald Trump voiced firm belief that the upcoming state visit from King Charles III and Queen Camilla could absolutely assist in mending relations between the United States and the United Kingdom.
When prompted on whether the King’s visit would aid the relationship, Trump stated, Absolutely. He's fantastic. He's a fantastic man. Absolutely the answer is yes. He further elaborated, stating, I know him well, I've known him for years. He's a brave man, and he's a great man. They would absolutely be a positive.
The royal couple is scheduled to embark on a four-day tour of the US starting Monday, which will include a meeting with Trump at the White House. The King is also slated for a private audience with Trump and an address to the Congress.
The visit comes as the Foreign Office highlighted that it would commemorate the 250th anniversary of US independence, emphasizing a long-standing partnership marked by shared prosperity, security, and history.
Trump also took the opportunity to discuss his relationship with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, suggesting that Starmer could only recover if he reversed his current immigration policies. He noted tensions in their relationship, particularly concerning the war in Iran and criticism surrounding UK ambassador appointments.
In addition to the main events in Washington, the royal couple will travel to New York, Virginia, and Bermuda before heading back to the UK.
Trump has consistently encouraged the UK to enhance oil and gas extraction from the North Sea while expressing dissatisfaction with the UK’s response to the Iranian conflict. He remarked, I didn’t need them at all but they should've been there, indicating that this was more of a test of alliance. Despite earlier threats made by Trump regarding Iran, he conveyed a sense of confidence about negotiations, asserting that, The other side is dying to make a deal.
