Britain’s King Charles, right, and U.S. President Donald Trump speak at a state banquet at Windsor Castle, England, on Sept. 17, 2025, the first day of U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump’s second state visit to the U.K.
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LONDON—When entertainer Bob Hope entertained Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the White House 1976, It captured a heated chapter in US–UK relations – set against the backdrop of the US Bicentennial and Gerald Ford’s presidency.
Nearly five decades later, King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in Washington on Monday for a state visit to mark 250 years since the United States declared independence from Britain. The four-day visit will include a state banquet at the White House hosted by President Trump, as well as an address to Congress by the king.
But the visit comes at a time of rising tensions between the two allies, including disagreements over the US, Israel-led war in Iran. Still, many remain hopeful that the king’s visit could help ease tensions and strengthen long-standing ties between the countries.
Increasing tension between allies
In recent months, President Trump has publicly criticized Britain, particularly over its decision not to engage in US military action in Iran. He also dismissed British military capabilities and repeatedly took aim at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, saying, “This is not Winston Churchill we are dealing with.”
Trump’s comments have sparked criticism in Britain and made the king’s visit increasingly unpopular. Polling there shows that a majority of Britons do not support the visit, and some politicians have called for it to be cancelled. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has been among those to voice opposition in Parliament.
Davy told Parliament, “Surely the Prime Minister cannot send our King to meet a man who treats our country like a mafia boss running a protection racket.”
The Prime Minister stressed the wide-ranging ties between the two countries should the visit go ahead: “The monarchy is an important reminder of the long-standing bond and enduring relationship between our two countries that is far greater than any individual holding any particular position at any particular time.”
politically sensitive visit
Royal biographer Catherine Mayer says the timing put the king in a difficult position: “The sight of Charles being sent there to Charles, and Camilla being sent there as messengers, made people understandably uncomfortable.” Meyer says the monarch’s traditional neutrality could be tested.
“You’re sending this totem, who is supposedly above politics and above the everyday ups and downs, straight into the hands of one of the most sociable and irritable presidents ever.”
Others argue that travel can help reduce stress. The monarch’s visit follows Trump’s state visit to Britain in September – a high-profile occasion widely seen as part of Britain’s efforts to strengthen the “special relationship” between the two countries.
Trump has often highlighted his personal connection to Britain, particularly his Scottish roots. During a visit to Scotland last summer, he spoke about his family ties, saying: “My mother loved Scotland, and she loved the Queen.”
Royal biographer Robert Hardman recalled what he saw at Mar-a-Lago, pointing to President Trump’s admiration for the royal family, saying: “If you go into the dining room at Mar a Lago, there’s a picture of the Queen smiling in pink in the middle of the wall.”
Hardman believes that shared history can shape the nature of travel.
“I think there will be a lot of looking back and a lot of looking forward and everyone will try not to pay attention to what’s going on around us at the moment.”
Still, sensitive issues may come up during the trip. Among them is the ongoing investigation surrounding the king’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his royal titles and faces renewed legal and public attention over allegations linked to his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein – a controversy that continues to cast a shadow over the wider royal family and could resurface during the visit.
Royal biographer Catherine Mayer says, “In this case, it couldn’t be more sensitive because there are all kinds of questions about the family and who knew what when and who did what when.”
All this means the US visit will be as much about managing political sensitivities as it is about ceremony and diplomacy, with every appearance closely scrutinized against the backdrop of strained relations and high expectations on both sides.
