King Charles played a part in Donald Trump's climbdown over Nato troops' involvement in Afghanistan after the monarch's concerns were raised with the White House, reports have claimed.
The US President sparked outrage among British veterans earlier this week by suggesting Nato forces "stayed a little back, a little off the front lines" during the conflict in Afghanistan.
However just 48 hours later, Mr Trump backpedalled on his comments, piling praise on British troops but stopping short of an outright apology.
In a post to Truth Social, Mr Trump wrote: "The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America!
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"In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors.
"It’s a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK Military, with tremendous Heart and Soul, is second to none (except for the USA!). We love you all, and always will! President DONALD J. TRUMP."
However, it is now believed the reversal came after King Charles expressed concern to the White House through private channels.
The Palace made clear the King was troubled by the distress caused by the President's initial statements, well-placed sources told The Sun.
King Charles's concerns were raised with the White House through private channels
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One British official told the publication the nation's Commander-in-Chief "you would always expect our Commander-in-Chief to defend the Armed Forces’ proud record of service and sacrifice".
Another source added: "It was made very clear that the King’s concern over the hurt had been caused by the comments whether inadvertent or not."
Buckingham Palace declined to provide comment when approached.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also spoke directly with the President on Saturday afternoon to address his controversial comments.
A No10 spokesman said: "The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, this afternoon.
"The Prime Minister raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home. We must never forget their sacrifice, he said.
"As Ukraine approaches the fourth year of war since Russia's full-scale invasion, the leaders agreed on the need to see progress towards a sustainable ceasefire.
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Donald Trump hails British soldiers as 'greatest of all warriors'
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"Whilst diplomatic efforts continue, the Prime Minister reiterated that international partners must continue to support Ukraine in its defence against Putin's barbaric attacks.
"The leaders also discussed the need for bolstered security in the Arctic, and the Prime Minister said it was an absolute priority for his government.
"The leaders discussed the importance of the UK-US relationship, which continues to stand the test of time. They agreed to speak soon."
Just one day earlier, Sir Keir had publicly condemned the President's remarks, describing the comments as both "insulting and appalling".
The Palace made clear the King was troubled by the distress caused by the President's initial statements
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Mr Trump's remarks proved particularly contentious given the United States remains the only Nato member to have invoked Article 5, activating the clause in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Veterans and political figures accused Mr Trump of fundamental factual errors regarding Britain's Afghanistan service.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed the President's U-turn, writing on X: "I’m pleased President Trump has now acknowledged the role of the British armed forces and those brave men and women who gave their lives fighting alongside the US and our allies.
"It should never have been questioned in the first place.
The diplomatic tension emerges as King Charles and Queen Camilla prepare for a scheduled April visit to the United States, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Mr Trump has previously described the monarch as an exceptional gentleman following last September's state visit