Donald Trump has appeared to suggest the King would have backed him over the war in Iran, saying Charles would have taken a “very different stand” to Sir Keir Starmer.
Charles and Camilla’s state visit to the US was confirmed to be going ahead this week despite calls for it to be postponed or even cancelled because of the conflict in the Middle East.
The US president was asked about the King’s visit in an interview with The Telegraph.
“I like him. I always liked him as a prince. He’s a good man, a great representative for your country,” Mr Trump said.
He added: “I think he would have taken a very different stand (on the war in Iran) but he doesn’t do that. I mean, he’s a great gentleman.”
Ties between Sir Keir and the US leader are under strain from Mr Trump’s repeated criticism of allies for refusing to join the military action.
The president told the newspaper the King had “nothing to do with this”, referring to the breakdown in US-UK relations over the Iran war.
Mr Trump declared Charles’s trip would be a “momentous occasion” in a post on his Truth Social site earlier this week, adding that there would be “a beautiful Banquet Dinner” at the White House on the evening of April 28.
“I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!”, Mr Trump added.
State visits are rarely postponed, except for security reasons and illness, and the royal family’s soft power diplomacy is viewed as an important and unique way of engaging with the billionaire-turned-politician Mr Trump, who is well known for his love of the monarchy.
