Ed Davey calls for King's US State Visit to be cancelled and issues scathing attack on Donald Trump

Svar Nanan-Sen
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:22:48 +0000

Sir Ed Davey has called for King Charles’s State Visit to the US to be cancelled.

The Liberal Democrat leader condemned a leaked Pentagon email indicating that the US's support for Britain's sovereignty over the Falkland Islands could face review due to insufficient UK backing for American policy on Iran.

Ed Davey described the development as "frankly outrageous," insisting that "any move by the President to question our sovereignty in the Falklands should be met by robust denouncement."

The Lib Dem leader highlighted a rapid deterioration in relations, noting that Donald Trump had only yesterday spoken positively about the King's visit improving bilateral ties.

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Today, however, the President threatened tariff action against Britain unless it abandons the digital services tax, while simultaneously casting doubt on the Falklands' status.

Sir Ed Davey urged that the King's State Visit scheduled for next week should be withdrawn entirely, branding Donald Trump an "unreliable, damaging President" who "cannot keep insulting our country."

The Liberal Democrat leader also criticised Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK's Nigel Farage, labelling them "Trump's cheerleaders" and the sole supporters of proceeding with the royal visit, accusing both of having "no genuine interest in standing up for British values."

It comes as King Charles and Queen Camilla prepare to travel to the US for a State Visit next week.

The royal couple 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. King Charles and Queen Camilla 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.

The Palace emphasised the importance of the deep connections between communities on both sides of the Atlantic. Following the American tour, the King will continue to Bermuda for a Royal Visit from 1st to 2nd May, representing his inaugural trip as Sovereign to a British Overseas Territory.

Upon arrival in the American capital, the King and Queen will receive an informal greeting from President Trump and the First Lady. The two couples will share a private tea together.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated that the visit "recognises the challenges the United Kingdom, the United States, and our Allies face across the world; this visit is a moment to reaffirm and renew our bilateral ties as we address those challenges together, in the UK's national interest."

A highlight of the Washington programme will see the King deliver an address to a joint meeting of Congress, with the Queen by his side.

This speech will represent only the second occasion in history that a British Monarch has spoken before both houses of the American legislature.