King Charles III is embarking on a state visit to the United States, deployed by the British government to help mend the increasingly strained ties between London and Washington. The so-called 'special relationship' — built on deep economic, social, and intelligence-sharing bonds — is facing one of its most serious tests under the Trump administration.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over London's refusal to back Washington's war with Iran. Trump told The Sun newspaper it was 'sad to see the relationship is obviously not what it was,' adding that Starmer 'has not been helpful.' Earlier, he remarked: 'This is not Winston Churchill we are dealing with,' after Starmer initially denied US troops access to British bases.
The visit is largely symbolic. As a constitutional monarch, King Charles cannot negotiate treaties or set policy. Yet the British government hopes his soft power can sway Trump. 'The view of the British government will be that it's better to at least make the attempt and to have some chance of winning favor,' said Nigel Fletcher, a political historian at King's College London.
Public opinion in the UK is deeply skeptical. Polls show nearly 80% of Britons view Trump negatively, and almost half opposed the king's trip. Graham Smith of the anti-monarchist group Republic called the effort 'futile,' arguing that 'Trump has advertised the impotence of having a monarch.'
The diplomatic highlight is expected to be an address to Congress — only the second by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. However, controversy looms. The king's brother Andrew was linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and survivors have requested a meeting with the king. Buckingham Palace declined, citing ongoing police investigations, drawing criticism from US Congressman Ro Khanna.
Trump himself has spoken warmly of the king, calling him 'a fantastic man' and a friend, and suggested the visit could 'absolutely' help repair relations. Yet the two leaders could not be more different: Charles is an ardent environmentalist, while Trump dismisses climate policies. Despite the risks, the British government appears willing to gamble on the king's charm to preserve the 'special relationship.'
Source: www.dw.com