President Donald Trump has confirmed that King Charles will travel to the United States "very shortly" for a state visit, despite ongoing tensions between London and Washington over the Middle East conflict.
Speaking to journalists while hosting Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the White House on St Patrick's Day, the American leader expressed his eagerness for the royal encounter.
"I do look forward to seeing the King. He's going to be coming, as you know, very shortly," Mr Trump told reporters.
The trip, which has not yet received official confirmation, is anticipated to take place in April, with the King and Queen expected to visit both Washington and New York to commemorate 250 years of American independence.
Donald Trump confirms King will travel to US 'very shortly' amid scathing Keir Starmer rift
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However, senior Labour MP Dame Emily Thornberry has urged caution over the timing of the royal visit, suggesting postponement would be the prudent course of action.
The chair of the Foreign Affairs select committee expressed concern that proceeding amid the Iran war could place Their Majesties in an awkward position.
"If it was to go ahead, it would go ahead against a backdrop of a war, and that, I think, is quite difficult, and the last thing that we want to do is to have Their Majesties embarrassed," she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
Dame Emily acknowledged uncertainty about the planned itinerary but advocated for careful consideration of whether to proceed, scale back the programme, or delay entirely.
Donald Trump made the announcement during the annual Friends of Ireland Luncheon
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"I suspect it would be safer to delay it, but I don't know the details," she added.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has thrown her support behind the State Visit, describing the King as "a huge asset to our country" who embodies standards that both Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Trump could learn from.
She emphasised the importance of the 250th anniversary milestone, saying the occasion "reminds people that there are some people who are above this diplomatic row".
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage went further, arguing that deteriorating relations between the President and Prime Minister make the royal trip more essential, not less.
Queen Camilla, King Charles, Donald Trump and Melania Trump pictured in September 2025 | GETTY"There are considerable tensions between the American President and British Prime Minister, that is true, and they appear to be worsening frankly by the day. I would say that makes the King's visit even more imperative," Mr Farage said.
He added that Mr Trump holds genuine affection for Charles and maintained "awe-like respect" for the late Queen.
Public sentiment on the matter remains divided. A recent YouGov survey found that 46 per cent of Britons believe the King should cancel the official visit and remain in the country this year, while 36 per cent supported proceeding as planned. The remaining 18 per cent were undecided.
Mr and Mrs Trump with Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria Starmer | REUTERSDowning Street has refused to be drawn on the matter, with the Prime Minister's official spokesman stating it was not appropriate to discuss royal engagements that had not been formally confirmed.
Buckingham Palace indicated the decision rests with the Government, noting that state visits are undertaken on Foreign Office advice.
Royal author Robert Hardman suggested that cancelling or postponing could prove more problematic given the historic significance of the anniversary, observing that the monarchy has historically helped soothe diplomatic tensions when the special relationship falters.