King Charles will find a way of making his feelings known to Donald Trump during an upcoming State Visit to the United States, a leading royal commentator has said. The BBC’s former royal correspondent, Jennie Bond, suggested Buckingham Palace will be running through “a few possible awkward scenarios” ahead of the monarch’s trip, which Mr Trump said would take place over four days from April 27 to 30.
The King and Queen Camilla are to make the visit despite spuclation as to whether it could be called off due to Mr Trump’s repeated criticism of Sir Keir Starmer for failing to support his war in Iran. Buckingham Palace announced earlier this month that the King and Queen would travel to the US to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Ms Bond said she imagined Charles and Camilla will have had a few chats in private about how the visit might pan out and she felt sure the King and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer would have talked things through too.
She told the Mirror the visit is one of the trickiest Charles has had to undertake, but he is an “accomplished” diplomat who will keep the focus on the 250th anniversary.
Ms Bond added: “Nevertheless, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear one or two subtle and delicately nuanced remarks from the King – who privately made his feelings known when President Trump publicly trashed Britain’s military contribution in past conflicts.”
The royal expert, who was the BBC‘s royal correspondent for 14 years, suggested the traditional exchange of gifts between the monarch and leader on state visits could present an opportunity for Charles to deliver a poignant statement to the White House.
She quipped: “How about a model of one of our Royal Navy warships which the President mocked as ‘toys’? Then again, perhaps not!”
While Mr Trump has aimed a series of broadsides at Sir Keir since the US-Israeli war against Iran kicked off on February 28, he has maintained respect for King Charles.
When the US leader announced the State Visit, he took to Truth Social, writing: “I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!”
The President is known to be very fond of the Royal Family and revelled in his State Visit last year when he was welcomed by a military band.
It was the first time any world leader received the honour of a second State Visit to the UK, and the first time the invitation was delivered in a personal letter from the King, which was presented to Mr Trump before TV cameras during a visit to Washington DC by Sir Keir.
Since then Mr Trump has chided the UK for refusing to allow US aircraft to use British bases for offensive operations against Iran. He lashed out at Sir Keir at one point, saying he is “not Winston Churchill”.
His criticism led some MPs to demand Sir Keir call off the visit to show Britain’s disapproval and avoid any embarrassment for the King at a time of heightened tension between the US and UK.