King Charles faced with tough situation after Trump NATO controversy | Royal | News

King Charles is said to be facing a tricky situation after Donald Trump’s controversial NATO comments as the US visit looms. The King and Queen are reportedly planning to make a major state visit to the US this spring.

Although it has not yet been officially announced by Buckingham Palace, it is thought the royal visit to the US President will be part of the 250th anniversary of US Independence in April. However, Mr Trump’s latest controversial move sparked backlash and has put the King in a very tough spot, according to a royal commentator.

The American President caused a sensation last week after he suggested in an interview with Fox News that NATO allied troops “stayed a little off the front lines” in Afghanistan.

He also claimed the US had “never needed” its NATO partners, despite being the only member state to have ever invoked the alliance’s “all for one, and one for all” clause, in the wake of 9/11.

Mr Trump then made a U-turn hours later, praising British troops and saying they are “among the greatest of all warriors”.

Some reports claimed the contrasting comments were made after King Charles’s own concerns about the matter were passed on to the White House, however, this has not been confirmed by either Buckingham Palace or the White House, which were both contacted for comment.

Now royal expert Jennie Bond claims the King is the “perfect person” to act as a “bridge” between the UK and US government during this time.

She told the Mirror: “I think we are fortunate to have a King so well versed in diplomatic skills, because Donald Trump has made the role of the monarch trickier than ever.

“Because the President is so enamoured with British royalty and so hopelessly flattered by any attention he’s given by the royal family, they have become key players in the so-called special relationship between the US and Britain.”

She added: “But you have to remember that the King acts on the wishes of the Government. So the decision about any state visit to America is entirely dependent on what the Prime Minister and his Government want.

“I think it’s highly unlikely that the government would cancel the visit – even though it has not yet been confirmed. And if Charles and Camilla go, then there’s no reason to think that William would not also go over for the World Cup.”

Mr Trump’s original comments on NATO sparked backlash, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying from Downing Street that the remarks were “frankly appalling” and signalled the US President should apologise.

Prince Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan and has long campaigned for veterans, also issued a powerful statement, saying that the sacrifices of British soldiers “deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect”.

Later last week, the US President took to his official Truth Social account to make a post, which read: “The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America!

“In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. It’s a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK Military, with tremendous heart and soul, is second to none (except for the US!).

“We love you all, and always will! President Donald J. Trump.”