King Charles will proceed with a state visit to the United States in April, despite concerns raised by some politicians who view the trip as potentially embarrassing given ongoing tensions and critical remarks from former President Donald Trump.
Concerns Over Timing of Visit
Members of Parliament have privately expressed worries that the king could be placed in an awkward position if Trump continues to criticize the UK’s armed forces before or during the visit. Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, has suggested a delay until the current crisis subsides, though the Foreign Office maintains the visit is intended to commemorate the 250th anniversary of US independence.
Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, criticized Keir Starmer for not cancelling the visit, while Green party leader Zack Polanski called for an end to UK involvement in Iran and a postponement of the trip. The state visit is scheduled to last three days, beginning on April 27.
Trump’s Recent Criticism
The announcement of the visit followed shortly after Trump launched another verbal attack on the UK, stating the country should “fight for yourselves” and secure jet fuel from the Middle East through force. Last week, Trump dismissed the UK’s aircraft carriers as “toys.”
Davey stated that pushing ahead with the visit while Trump “treats our country with contempt” demonstrates a “staggering lack of backbone.” He added that sending the king on a state visit after Trump’s dismissal of the Royal Navy is a “humiliation” and a sign of a weak government.
Thornberry previously suggested delaying the visit to avoid potentially embarrassing Charles and Camilla.
Official Confirmation and Itinerary
Buckingham Palace confirmed that Charles and Camilla will undertake the visit “on advice of his majesty’s government, and at the invitation of the president of the United States.” Charles is expected to address Congress and participate in events marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.
This will be the king’s first visit to the US as monarch and the first state visit by a British sovereign since Queen Elizabeth II’s tour in 2007.
Trump announced on his Truth Social network that he and Melania are “pleased” to host the King and Queen for a state visit from April 27-30, including a banquet dinner at the White House on April 28. He described the occasion as “momentous” and expressed his respect for the king, calling it “TERRIFIC!”
Trump’s announcement came an hour after he again criticized Starmer’s lack of support for US-Israel strikes on Iran, suggesting the UK should “build up some delayed courage” and secure its own jet fuel.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also urged the UK to “step up” to defend the Strait of Hormuz, questioning the capabilities of the Royal Navy.
Political Opposition to the Visit
Several Labour MPs have voiced criticism of the decision to proceed with the state visit. John McDonnell argued that Trump will exploit the visit for publicity ahead of the US elections and that associating with his “barbarity” would tarnish the UK’s reputation. Clive Lewis stated that the visit is a “profound misreading of the moment,” while Kim Johnson called it an insult to those facing a cost of living crisis due to the war.
More than 140,000 people have sent letters to the Palace via the 38 Degrees site calling for the visit to be cancelled. Jake Atkinson, a spokesperson for the Stop Trump Coalition, said the visit would endorse the “illegal war” and Trump’s disregard for international law.
Following the US visit, Charles will visit Bermuda, without Camilla, for his first royal visit as monarch to a British overseas territory. Details of this visit have yet to be disclosed.
State visits are rarely postponed except for security reasons or illness, and the royal family’s diplomacy is seen as a valuable way to engage with Trump, who is known for his appreciation of the monarchy. Trump received a state visit to the UK last year, an unprecedented occurrence for a US leader.
The tour raises questions about whether Charles will see his son, Prince Harry, his wife Meghan, and their children, Archie and Lilibet.
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