Donald Trump says King Charles state visit can 'absolutely' help relations between US and UK

Ben McCaffrey
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:48:32 +0000

Donald Trump has said that King Charles III's upcoming state visit to the US can "absolutely" help repair relations between the UK and the US.

King Charles is due to travel to the States next week along with Queen Camilla to visit the US President and First Lady, Melania Trump.

But the President has repeatedly hammered UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his hesitation to join the US-Israeli offensive in Iran.

As a result, the so-called "special relationship" between the two nations has waned, as the Prime Minister continues to condemn Mr Trump for the war in Iran.

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However, when asked if the visit could mend the currently perilous relationship between the two countries, President Trump told the BBC: "Absolutely. He's fantastic. He's a fantastic man. Absolutely the answer is yes."

He added: "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."

Earlier this month, Mr Trump insisted his opinion and strained relationship with the Prime Minister would "not at all" overshadow or impact the visit.

He also described the King as a "great gentleman".

"I've known him for a long time. He's a wonderful, wonderful person," President Trump said.

Despite the fractious relationship between the two leaders, King Charles and the President have remained close, with the monarch embarking on a four-day trip to the US later this month.

The King and Queen Camilla will visit three locations: Washington D.C., New York and Virginia.

The trip coincides with America's celebration of 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

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The royal couple will join the American people in marking this significant milestone.

Buckingham Palace has said the visit presents an opportunity to acknowledge the shared heritage between Britain and the United States.

It will also highlight the extensive economic, security and cultural bonds that have developed over two and a half centuries.

President Trump embarked on a state visit to the UK in September last year, where he thanked the monarch for bestowing on him "one of the highest honours of my life".

The trip made sure Mr Trump etched his name into history, becoming the first US President to be invited to the UK for a second state visit.

He joked that he "hopes he will be the last."

During his speech at the State Banquet, Mr Trump said: "His Majesty the King has epitomised the fortitude, nobility and the spirit of the British monarchy and the British people.

"He's dedicated himself to preserving the glory and unique character of this Kingdom, restoring life to the rivers and streams, supporting the works of its artists and composers, planting trees and gardens in its countryside."

He added that the monarch has "uplifted the poor, cared for rural farmers, and tended to wounded veterans like nobody else".