Sir Keir Starmer is pressing forward with King Charles's planned visit to the United States, dismissing calls from within his own party to postpone the royal tour, sources have indicated.
The Prime Minister faces mounting pressure to delay the trip as the ongoing Iran conflict continues, with critics warning that Donald Trump's recent attacks on Sir Keir could place the King and Queen in an awkward position internationally.
However, Government officials are currently working to complete arrangements for the significant journey, which will commemorate 250 years of American independence.
The tour represents an important opportunity to strengthen transatlantic ties following recent diplomatic friction over the Iran situation.
Keir Starmer set to refuse delay calls over King Charles's US visit despite Donald Trump tensions
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The itinerary currently being finalised spans three days, with Washington and New York already thought to be confirmed as destinations.
Sources have told the Sun that discussions are ongoing about incorporating a third American city into the schedule.
Officials are reportedly also exploring the possibility of extending the royal tour with an additional stop in the Caribbean.
The expanded programme reflects the significance attached to the visit, which is timed to coincide with America's landmark 250th anniversary of independence.
Queen Camilla, King Charles, Donald Trump and Melania Trump pictured in September 2025 | GETTYThe trip, scheduled for late April, is being coordinated between Downing Street, Buckingham Palace and their American counterparts, though no formal announcement has yet been made.
It was reported last week by The Sun that Sir Keir raised the royal visit during a telephone conversation with Mr Trump, seeking to reduce friction between the two nations.
The US President has repeatedly criticised the Prime Minister for what he perceives as insufficient backing for American and Israeli military operations in recent weeks.
Despite this ongoing dispute, White House aides view Mr Trump as particularly open to engagement through royal channels, given his well-documented fondness for the British monarchy.
Keir Starmer meeting the King after his party won the General Election
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Donald Trump revealed he was 'not happy' with the UK following Keir Starmer's reluctance to send ships to the Middle East | GETTYThe diplomatic approach appears designed to leverage the President's admiration for the Royal Family as a means of smoothing relations between London and Washington.
Nevertheless, prominent voices have urged caution over the timing. Dame Emily Thornberry, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, suggested that postponement might be the "safer" option.
"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 the BBC.
Sir Peter Westmacott, a former British ambassador to Washington, echoed these concerns, describing the timing as "problematic" and arguing that ministers have a "duty to protect the monarchy".