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King Charles US state visit 2026: King Charles the Trump Whisperer, how the British monarch’s unique power is being tested as he begins most important mission yet | Opinion
OPINION – King Charles has embarked on what could be his government’s toughest, yet fragile, mission as he tries to smooth over the fractured relationship between Britain and the US by Donald Trump.
The King arrived in Washington DC early Tuesday morning, with Queen Camille who wore a brooch featuring the Union Jack and American flags, kicking off a historic state visit – the first by a British monarch to the US in almost two decades.
Charles III is seen by many observers as the “Trump Whisperer” and is uniquely positioned to act as a kind of mediator between the two countries, which have been at odds for months over several key global issues.
And King Charles will use Trump’s well-known affection for the British monarchy to try to do what no politician can.
Officially, the king and queen are in America to celebrate 250e anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
But behind the scenes, advisers hope King Charles can use soft diplomacy to repair the damage caused by clashes between the US president and the British prime minister.
As head of the monarchy, King Charles is a reminder of the longevity of the relationship between the US and Britain.
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The so-called ‘special relationship’ – a term coined by Winston Churchill in reference to the post-war bond between the US and Britain – has never been in more jeopardy.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Sir Keir Starmer for not supporting the US-Israeli war in Iran, while the two leaders have also clashed over other issues including NATO, Greenland and Ukraine.
Although Charles is above politics and is not expected to delve into such issues, his agenda is clear.
The monarch is in the US representing the British government and he will play on Trump’s admiration for the royal family to repair the damaged relationship between the two nations.
Many political leaders around the world have a respect for the monarchy, forged by the strong leadership of Queen Elizabeth II during her 70-year reign.
The late monarch was a master of soft diplomacy – the only real power royals can wield, opening diplomatic doors that would otherwise remain closed.
They can listen and perhaps gently express their own opinions, but the royal family can offer no real advice or guidance. They must remain apolitical.
King Charles observed his mother at work during her record-breaking reign and has decades of experience walking such a fraught political tightrope himself.
Charles is well aware of Trump’s longstanding love for the royal family and will do his best to capitalize on it.
Trump’s admiration for the royal family was inherited by his Scottish mother, Mary Anne MacLeod.
In Trump’s book The art of negotiation he described his mother as being “captivated by the splendor, the whole idea of royalty and glamour”.
Last year he told a media conference that she “loved the Queen [Elizabeth II]. Every time the Queen was on television she wanted to watch”.
In Trump’s second book The art of the comebackhe wrote about the late Diana, Princess of Walesdescribing her as someone who “lit up the room” and “a dream lady”.
In September last year, Trump was invited to one unprecedented second state visit to Britain – the first American president to do so.
Trump has made his first state visit to Great Britain when Elizabeth II was on the throne, in 2019.
Speaking at a state dinner at Windsor CastleHosted last year by King Charles and Queen Camilla, Trump said: “It is a special privilege to be the first American president to be welcomed here.”
He continued, “If you think about it, it’s a lot of presidents and this was the second state visit, and that’s the first, and it might be the last time.
‘But this is truly one of the highest honors of my life, so much respect for you and so much respect for your country.
“For decades, His Majesty the King has embodied the strength, nobility and spirit of the British Monarchy and the British people.”
The president called King Charles a “very, very special man,” while Prince William, he said, “would have incredible success in the future.”
Trump previously called King Charles his “good friend.”
This state visit is the first by a British monarch to the US since Queen Elizabeth II’s trip in 2007.
Last week, Trump was asked by the BBC whether the king’s visit could help restore the so-called special relationship between Britain and the US.
He replied, “Absolutely.”
According to royal author Robert Jobson, who wroteOur King: Charles III, the monarch’s mission was clear.
“Except for the visit of His Majesty the King[George VI]in 1939, I would say this is the largest and most important visit that virtually any monarch has made to America,” Jobson shared. Newsweek.
“The king is someone who can do a lot when it comes to moving the goalposts.
‘He is someone people listen to because he is very experienced. I don’t think Trump listens to anyone, but I do think he used to hear the late queen.
“I think he certainly respects and hears what Charles has to say.”
A friend of the king told it The times: “It is certainly seen within the royal family as its largest and most important mission yet.”
‘The king has spent years building up the ability to overcome high-stakes situations. He can glide over day-to-day politics but build cultural bridges where there may be political factions. That’s why he’s so valuable right now.
“He is the most experienced diplomat in the world.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit also takes place in the wake of the release of the Epstein files which mentioned the former Prince Andrew.
Buckingham Palace said the king and queen would not meet with Epstein’s survivors so as not to damage any active police investigation.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested in February suspicion of misconduct in public office.
In the US, Congress is also investigating Epstein and his associates. Calls have been made for Andrew to answer questions in front of Congress.
Saturday marked one year since Virginia Giuffre – who accused Andrew of sexual abuse – committed suicide in Australia. Her brother, Sky Roberts, said the king should meet with Epstein’s victims.
“This is not about the king coming here and celebrating with Trump,” he said.
Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing in the case.
Epstein’s victims plan to protest outside the White House during the king’s visit.
The palace said Queen Camilla would make engagements involving victims of domestic and sexual abuse in general.
Camilla, who has long campaigned for abuse survivors, has incorporated such themes in previous visits abroad, including to Australia in 2024.
The king’s most high-profile and politically charged mission is now underway and only time will tell whether the monarch will succeed in working his charm on the American president.
He and Queen Camilla had tea with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House today and will later attend a garden party at the British ambassador’s residence.
Tomorrow the King will address Congress – the second time a British monarch has done so. Queen Elizabeth last held this honor in 1991.
The King and Queen will experience American splendor at a state dinner at the White House on Tuesday evening before flying to New York, where Their Majesties will mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terror attack.
They will later attend a street party in Virginia before the king travels solo to Bermuda.
The 77-year-old monarch has a lot on his shoulders.
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