The King is set to be invited to the White House next year to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as the royals continue to play a leading role in “keeping Donald Trump sweet”.
Talks are underway for a major royal visit to mark the historic anniversary, and The Independent understands Prince William is prepared to attend in his father’s place if King Charles’ schedule does not allow.
Sources say a visit by either King Charles and Queen Camilla or Prince William and Princess Kate is a key part of Britain’s diplomacy with the current White House administration.
President Trump has always made clear his admiration for the royal family, describing the King as “my friend” while using his speech at the state banquet this week to praise the Prince of Wales as “a great man”.
The state visit this week was a key part of Britain’s diplomacy with the Trump administration and helped ensure that the UK received favourable trade terms after he imposed global tariffs.
A source close to Mr Trump, who was with him during his summer visit to Scotland, said: “The president reveres the royal family and he wanted to do whatever he could to help Britain because he was so keen that nothing went wrong with this state visit.
“Keir Starmer has rightly identified that the royal family – who in many ways are our lead ambassadors – need to be front and centre in diplomacy with the Trump White House. The prime minister has been very clever in that respect and played his hand well.”
They added: “The president really wants a major Royal visit during his presidency. He wants to be able to welcome the royal family to the White House.
“By ensuring that a senior royal is there to mark such an important anniversary in this history of these two countries, it helps ensure that the UK can continue to keep President Trump sweet.” Buckingham Palace has refused to comment.
The diplomatic push began before the inauguration, when Prince William attended the reopening of Notre Dame in Paris in 2023 and held meetings with the then president-elect.
The strategy has been effective for Starmer, helping build a positive relationship between himself and the president.
The relationship has been unique and the envy of some fellow world leaders. While Trump has not hesitated to criticise leaders of other allied countries, most notably Canada’s Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron, Starmer has enjoyed a burgeoning friendship with the US president who has repeatedly praised his leadership.
King Charles noted during his speech at this week’s state banquet that he had visited the US more than 20 times, but has not returned since his coronation.
The last official state visit across the Atlantic made in 2007 by Queen Elizabeth II in 2007 when George W. Bush was president.
The late Queen made five state visits to the US between 1957 and 2007. She met presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and both George Bushes on those official visits.
There will be speculation about Charles or Prince of Wales meeting with Prince Harry during such a visit after the King’s second son visited him this month in what was seen as the beginning of a reconciliation.
President Trump has had a hostile relationship with Prince Harry’s wife Meghan Markle and it is unlikely that the couple would be invited to any formal events at the White House.
But the president made it clear that he wants to celebrate the UK and US’ “unbreakable relationship” and his “friendship” with King Charles.
Mr Trump this week described his second British state visit as “one of the highest honours of my life”.
He also praised Prince William as “remarkable” and “amazing” and Princess Kate, “so radiant and so healthy, so beautiful”.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.independent.co.uk ’
