King Charles is set to begin his highly anticipated US state visit shortly, during which he will meet with President Donald Trump.
The visit comes amidst a series of verbal assaults by Trump on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer due to the UK and other Nato allies abstaining from joining the US in Iran, prompting Trump to criticize the PM and the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers.
Additionally, potential tensions may arise as Trump has clashed online with Charles’ estranged son, Prince Harry, and daughter-in-law, Meghan Markle, in the past.
Trump previously criticized Harry and Meghan for their decision to step back from royal duties in 2020, voicing disapproval of the couple moving to the US and refusing US government-funded security.
Following the Sussexes’ relocation to California, Trump openly expressed his disdain for Meghan and predicted difficulties in Harry’s marriage. Despite these tensions, Harry was later invited to King Charles’ Coronation, a move that surprised Trump, who had previously criticized Harry’s actions.
In a separate incident, Trump criticized Harry for calling on the US to do more in ending the conflict in Ukraine. Harry, who served in Afghanistan, defended the sacrifices made by NATO troops in the conflict.
Despite the ongoing controversies, Trump clarified that he would not take action against Harry, citing other priorities and labeling Meghan as “terrible.”
In response to Trump’s remarks, Harry visited Kyiv and delivered a speech at the Kyiv Security Forum, urging both Trump and Putin to work towards ending the war in Ukraine. Trump, in turn, questioned Harry’s authority to speak for the UK and thanked him for the advice.
The relationship between the US President and the British Royal Family remains complex, with ongoing political and personal tensions surfacing between the two parties.