King Charles's "ultimate responsibility is to Keir Starmer", a royal commentator has asserted, amid potential concerns among the Danish Royal Family over President Donald Trump's Greenland threat.
The King's anticipated visit to the United States in April 2026 to commemorate 250 years since the Declaration of Independence now faces significant diplomatic hurdles following President Trump's threats to seize Greenland from Denmark.
The monarch is understood to be considering the transatlantic trip, though Buckingham Palace has yet to confirm any arrangements.
Prince William may separately travel to America for the main July celebrations, as the summer period typically proves too demanding in the royal calendar for the King to attend.
King's 'ultimate responsibility is to Starmer' amid royal concerns over Trump's Greenland threat
|REUTERS / GETTY
However, President Trump's aggressive posturing towards the Danish territory has cast uncertainty over the planned royal engagement.
Royal author Valentine Low, who wrote Power and the Palace, told Newsweek that the King would take seriously any concerns raised by the Danish Royal Family, whether expressed publicly or through private channels.
He explained: "I think if it got to the stage where the Danish Royal Family were voicing concerns, either publicly or privately, about this, I think Charles would take that seriously.
"And if Keir Starmer still wanted him to go over for the anniversary celebrations, Charles would feel torn, but his ultimate responsibility would be to Keir Starmer, to the Government, because it is his Government. I can't see it getting to that stage."
'We need Greenland for national security purposes', Trump said at Mar-a-Lago | REUTERSThe US President has intensified his rhetoric regarding Greenland, which remains semi-autonomous within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Speaking to The Atlantic, Trump declared: "We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defence."
He told NBC News on Monday that the acquisition was essential for protecting both American and European interests, describing himself as "very serious" about pursuing annexation.
A White House spokesman confirmed on Tuesday that military intervention remained among the options under consideration.
King Frederik X became King of Denmark on January 14, 2024 | GETTYLATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen attending New Year's reception in Christian VII's Palace on January 1 | REUTERSDanish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded forcefully, telling Sky News: "The US has no right to annex any of the three countries in the Danish Kingdom."
Ms Frederiksen urged Washington to cease its threats against what she described as a historically close ally, emphasising that Greenland's people had made clear they were "not for sale."
The diplomatic row has now drawn in the British Government, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly siding with Copenhagen.
Speaking on Monday, Starmer stated: "Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark must decide the future of Greenland and nobody else."
This stance places King Charles in a potentially uncomfortable position, caught between his constitutional obligation to support Government policy and the prospect of appearing to endorse pressure against a fellow European monarchy.