British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made headlines this year with his inaugural visit to President Trump in the Oval Office, bringing forth an extraordinary token of diplomacy: a special invitation from King Charles.
President Trump announced the remarkable extension of a second state visit to the United Kingdom, an unprecedented honor that underscores the unique relationship between the U.S. and the U.K.
“I was just notified by letter from King Charles that he’s extended, through the prime minister, a historic second state visit to the United Kingdom,” Trump stated, showcasing the invitation with pride.
This development is strategic, especially for the British government, which is keen on utilizing this unique opportunity to engage Trump on vital issues, including bolstering support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Evie Aspinall, director of the British Foreign Policy Group, explained that amplifying Britain’s soft power, particularly through the royal family, is a tactical approach in navigating relations with Trump.
“The U.K. knows that its leverage in its soft power when it comes to Trump comes through the royal family — he has a long affiliation and a kind of affinity to the royal family,” Aspinall remarked.
Despite Trump’s waning popularity in the U.K., the upcoming visit is perceived as a savvy diplomatic maneuver, especially knowing that his interest in the monarchy may yield favorable discussions on pressing global issues.
Historically, Trump’s admiration for the British royal family stems from his childhood, particularly influenced by his mother’s fascination with Queen Elizabeth II.
Trump recounted in past interviews how his mother would light up at the sight of the queen on television. “She was a big fan of the queen, I have to tell you,” he shared in a podcast with Miranda Devine.
Reflecting on their first encounter, Trump expressed a deep appreciation for the queen, stating, “I was walking up and I was thinking, ‘Can you imagine my mother seeing the scene?'” His reverence for her was evident as he described her as “so sharp, so wise, so beautiful.”
During the planned visit, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are set to engage with King Charles and other members of the royal family.
Their itinerary includes a carriage procession, military bands, and a state banquet at Windsor Castle, highlighting the traditional pageantry associated with state visits.
Following this royal engagement, Trump is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the prime minister’s countryside retreat, for discussions on bilateral matters, followed by a press conference.
State visits to the U.K. have become notable milestones for U.S. presidents, as Nicole Hemmer, a history professor at Vanderbilt University, points out.
She emphasized that such visits are highlights due to the longstanding special relationship between the United States and the U.K., particularly the ceremonial interactions with the royal family.
Trump’s fascination with the royals is not merely superficial; it extends to cultural admiration.
He famously expressed a longing for the late Princess Diana in his 1997 book, The Art of the Comeback, stating, “I only have one regret in the women department – that I never had the opportunity to court Lady Diana Spencer.”
Additionally, he has voiced opinions on recent royal family controversies, including commenting that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were disrespectful to the late queen.
Hemmer also noted a deeper connection between Trump’s interest in the monarchy and his perception of leadership.
“Trump himself has praised monarchical government and, in fact, shared pictures online of himself imagined as a king,” she stated, pointing out that this perception diverges from how previous presidents have approached the symbolism of monarchy.
In 2023, as King Charles prepared for his coronation, Trump reiterated his view on the monarchy’s significance during an interview with Nigel Farage.
He remarked, “I think it’s a very important event, I think it’s a great thing. A lot of people talk about the monarchy, should you have it or should you not. I think it’s a fantastic thing. It holds your country together, largely.”
The upcoming state visit promises to be a blend of tradition, strategy, and the unique dynamics between President Trump and the British royal family.
image source from：npr
