The transatlantic relationship between Britain and the United States has deteriorated to an "all-time low," according to a source with knowledge of ongoing negotiations regarding a potential royal visit.
Washington officials are banking on a state visit by the King and Queen to ease diplomatic tensions that have been simmering for months, following His Majesty's hosting of President Trump at Windsor last year.
"The royal visit can't come quickly enough," the source said.
Government figures are reportedly eager to accelerate the timeline. "If they could bring it forward, they would," an insider told the Telegraph.
The president's fondness for the Royal Family may prove crucial in navigating the current diplomatic difficulties.
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"There is no other way" to reset relations between the two nations, another source warned.
The White House is understood to be particularly enthusiastic about welcoming Prince William and the Princess of Wales, with any visit likely timed around Independence Day celebrations on 4th July.
For the princess, this would mark her first official overseas engagement since her illness.
The Prince of Wales, in his capacity as Patron of the Football Association, would probably attend a World Cup to support England during the trip.
The president's fondness for the Royal Family may prove crucial in navigating the current diplomatic difficulties.
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Whether the princess joins him depends partly on family considerations, as the couple prioritise their children's stability and seldom travel abroad together for extended periods without them.
The president's fondness for the Royal Family may prove crucial in navigating the current diplomatic difficulties.
"His [positive] feelings about the Royal Family trump pun intended his [negative] feelings about Starmer," a source familiar with the US administration said.
This royal connection has historically assisted British governments during challenging periods, which supporters of the monarchy cite as reason to maintain traditional pageantry rather than adopting the more modest approach of European "bicycling royals."
The Prince of Wales, in his capacity as Patron of the Football Association, would probably attend a World Cup to support England during the trip.
|GETTY
If the King, Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales all travel to America within the same year, it would satisfy Mr Trump's appetite for an "unprecedented" demonstration of goodwill.
Despite the diplomatic potential, a high-profile state visit carries considerable risks as there are concerns President Trump could exploit the media spotlight of a state dinner.
To mitigate potential embarrassment, the Royal Family look set to delay confirmation of any visit from William and Catherine until the King and Queen have returned home without incident.
The Royal Family understands what is expected of them. "This is the job," a former aide has said.
Palace sources have emphasised that during previous US visits, the president and his team have conducted themselves impeccably, stressing that state visits represent the nation rather than its leader.
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