Debate over whether the King should proceed with a planned state visit to the United States has prompted a strong reaction from Independent readers, with many arguing the trip should be called off amid rising tensions between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump.
A recent reader poll found that 72 per cent believe the visit should be cancelled – a view widely echoed in the comments.
Many said travelling to the US at this moment would hand Donald Trump an unwelcome diplomatic win and risk appearing to legitimise policies and rhetoric they strongly oppose. Some argued the King’s presence could be interpreted as an endorsement of the current administration, particularly given criticism of its approach to foreign policy, immigration and international alliances.
Others questioned whether the visit reflects the public mood at home, suggesting the monarchy should be cautious about appearing out of step with public sentiment.
At the same time, several commenters acknowledged that cancelling the trip could carry serious diplomatic risks. Some warned that a snub might provoke an unpredictable reaction from Trump and further strain relations with one of Britain’s most important allies.
Here’s what you had to say:
Like it or not, we are dependent on the US
What a wonderful opportunity to reincarnate our student days with a shoot-ourselves-in-the-foot, petty political gesture. Maybe tomorrow we can occupy the refectory or set up a meditation workshop and light candles.
Like it or not – and I really don’t care if it is the latter – we are economically, financially and militarily heavily dependent on the US. Deliberately provoking a capricious and headstrong POTUS is folly. Our government’s primary duty is to look after the interests of its citizens, not to act like petulant children, pander to wounded peacock pride, or invite retaliation that could do real harm to our economy and cause real hardship for the most vulnerable in our society.
It’s time for the adults to stand up. If it requires flattering Trump, then so be it. Trump will not be here forever, but the damage he could do now may harm us for a generation. Times are hard enough for so many – let’s not risk making it harder for a useless gesture.
Gauge public mood
If Charles wants to stop the growing dissatisfaction with royalty, he needs to judge the mood of the country. I very much doubt that he would get many in favour of this visit.
He has stripped Andy of titles, soon to be taken out of the line of succession. Now he needs to consider the other ‘hangers-on’.
I read in another news outlet that he is rumoured to be considering ‘giving’ Royal Lodge to Harry and Meghan. They are a Marmite couple – love them or hate them – but the polls show low support. So them having such a prestigious property as their UK base would not go down well. More importantly, it is part of the Crown Estate, it is not his to gift, and anyone occupying it must have a commercial lease and rent. Renovation should not be an expense for the taxpayer.
I suspect Charles is having real trouble adjusting to the new reality. His mother could do no wrong for many; that hasn’t transferred to him, and he will have to work very hard if he, and the monarchy, are to survive.
A royal visit would be seen as an endorsement
A state visit by King Charles III to the United States in April 2026, amid America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, is not routine diplomacy – it is a serious misjudgment in the current climate.
The US is deeply polarised. President Trump’s second term has intensified divisions over immigration, Nato commitments, democratic norms, and executive power. A royal visit now would not be seen as neutral symbolism; it would likely be interpreted – domestically and internationally – as endorsement of an administration facing criticism for democratic backsliding.
Compounding this, the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement has led to widespread reports of foreign tourists and visitors being detained at borders, even those with valid visas. High-profile cases, including a UK national held for weeks by ICE, have prompted travel warnings from allies like the UK, Australia, and others, highlighting risks of arbitrary detention, device searches, and deportation. International tourism to the US has slumped significantly in 2025–2026, with declines attributed to these policies making entry unpredictable and unwelcoming.
The risk is heightened by the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein scandal, involving the sexual exploitation and trafficking of minors, which continues to implicate elite circles. Prince Andrew’s past ties have already damaged the monarchy. A high-profile appearance would inevitably revive scrutiny, protests, and questions the Crown cannot control.
Political strategists have warned that the King risks being weaponised in America’s culture wars.
At a moment defined by division, protest, unresolved scandal, and visible human consequence, attendance would function as endorsement, however carefully it was framed.
The King does not need to provide that endorsement.
Diplomatic risks of cancellation
As much as I agree that he should not go, I’m pretty certain he will! The diplomatic backlash if he cancels will be seismic, and Trump, being the irrational/deranged narcissist that he certainly is, could make the already extremely fraught relationship between the UK and the US 100 times worse. We’ve seen what Trump is capable of, so I would be really surprised if he doesn’t go ahead. I personally would like him to cancel and make it clear to the Trump administration that their constant criticism of this country and our democratically elected government is unacceptable. Start forging closer ties with the EU and accept that the so-called ‘special relationship’ is over, assuming there actually was one in the first place!
Stand back from a once-promising relationship
I’m a strong Royalist – I believe our system of a democratic head of government with a hereditary back-stop against despotism and civil war (as has worked brilliantly since 1688) is a treasure to be preserved at almost any cost.
My message to my sovereign is “Don’t treat the Orange as a reliable partner”. He may love you, but in no way should you love him – nor do you need him.
Monarchists like me will never have a problem with you standing back from a once-promising relationship.
Cancel for safety
The royal visit should never have been put on the calendar in the first place, given Trumplethinskin’s repeated threats to invade Canada (of which Charles is the head of state) and Greenland (part of the UK’s close ally Denmark).
With Trump’s unlawful invasion of a sovereign country, his use of armed stormtroopers against any US resident with brown skin (citizen or not), his wholesale contempt for international law, his blatant misogyny, and his thousands of mentions in the Epstein files, the visit should definitely be cancelled.
The King visiting Dumpy Trumpty would be akin to him visiting Putin whilst Ukraine is still being attacked.
Given Charles’s recent medical issues, it would be easy for Buckingham Palace to issue a statement saying that, due to some private medical issue, the visit will be delayed – then reschedule it for after the next presidential elections.
Engagement is more important
I don’t think we should cancel the visit. While relations are strained, engagement is even more important. If we sink to Trump’s level, we make it easier for him to bully us. He doesn’t like personal confrontation and prefers to say nasty things from afar.
If we are there, our King representing the UK makes us stronger, not weaker. Disengagement might feel good short term, but it’s counterproductive in the medium to long term.
Inevitable
The royal visit to Washington will happen whether Ed Davey or anyone speaks against it, because Starmer knows Trump would react badly to that snub by King Charles III, then criticising King Charles and Starmer. So Trump is someone who must be appeased by the British government and the royal family. Trump does not care much for the “special relationship” between the US and UK, as he sees it as the UK needing the US more than it being the other way. King Charles going on a state visit to Washington will be evident enough that Trump can say anything bad about the UK, but the British government will still send King Charles to keep the “special relationship” in place.
Some of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity.
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