King Charles is facing one of the toughest tests of his reign

Cameron Walker
Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:58:11 +0000

Buckingham Palace has confirmed the King and Queen will embark on a State Visit to the United States of America next month.

Despite President Trump's frequent criticism of Sir Keir Starmer in recent weeks, the UK Government has advised His Majesty to undertake the visit marking the 250th anniversary of American Independence.

This will be the King's first State Visit to the United States, but it is unlikely to be straightforward.

The Trump administration continues to wage war against authorities in Iran, which has destabilised the Middle East and led to a surge in oil prices.

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It has arguably been the worst-kept secret in royal and political circles for months, but President Trump's continued criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the UK Government's cautious approach to the Iranian conflict has led to mounting speculation that the State Visit could be delayed or cancelled.

Just hours before Buckingham Palace made the formal announcement, President Trump posted on social media: "Countries like the UK should secure the Strait of Hormuz [a strategically vital waterway for the transportation of oil] themselves."

“The USA won't be there to help you anymore, just like you weren't there for us."

It's safe to say relations between Washington and London have soured, so why has the UK Government advised His Majesty to embark on a State Visit?

Despite Trump's difficult relationship with Labour's Starmer, the US President still adores the British monarchy - this was evident during the highly successful inward State Visit to Windsor last year.

Following the announcement, President Trump took to social media again to gush over King Charles and Queen Camilla: "Melania and I are pleased to announce that Their Majesties, the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, will visit the United States for a Historic State Visit from April 27-30th, which will include a beautiful Banquet Dinner at the White House on the evening of April 28th."

"This momentous occasion will be even more special this year, as we commemorate the 250th Anniversary of our Great Country.

"I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!"

Two statements about the United Kingdom, one day, two very different tones.

This is an example of why the King's soft power is so important for successful diplomacy.

Arguably, this could be the biggest diplomatic test of His Majesty's reign so far; he is tasked with helping to repair the relationship between the two nations.

The King and Queen will commemorate 250 years of America's independence, a country that cut ties with King George III in 1776.

In that time, the so-called special relationship has deepened - regardless of who occupies the White House or 10 Downing Street.

Monarchy is constant: a symbol of stability that runs through the generations.

However, there is already a significant amount of opposition to the Prime Minister's plans to deploy the King on a royal charm offensive.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey accused the Prime Minister of showing a “staggering lack of backbone” and called for the State Visit to be cancelled.

He said: “The Prime Minister is showing a staggering lack of backbone by pushing ahead with this state visit while Donald Trump treats our country with contempt.

“To send the King on a state visit to the US after Trump dismissed our Royal Navy as ‘toys’ is a humiliation, and a sign of a Government too weak to stand up to bullies.

“What appalling thing does Trump have to do next to make the Government see sense and cancel the state visit?”

However, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is backing plans for the State Visit to go ahead, telling the Press Association: "The relationship is between the US and the UK, not between Donald Trump and Keir Starmer."

"The King is our head of state and actually, he’s going for a very significant anniversary, the 250th anniversary of American independence."

"So I do think that makes sense and it also reminds people that there are some people who are above this diplomatic row."

Despite polarising political opinions, it is His Majesty's role to stay above politics.

He will be focused on commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence from his fourth great-grandfather.

Despite this, politicians on both sides of the Atlantic will be listening closely during his scheduled address to Congress, listening to any diplomatically subtle message he wishes to convey.