We'll have great time: Trump says King Charles in US will repair strained UK ties

US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that the upcoming visit by Britain’s King Charles III could help repair strained ties between Washington and London, and fix a growing rift with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer amid the ongoing Iran war. Praising the British monarch, Trump said the visit would "absolutely" pave the way for improved bilateral relations, The Independent reported.

Responding to a reporter’s question about whether the King’s visit could repair ties, Trump said, "Absolutely. He's fantastic. He's a fantastic man. Absolutely, the answer is yes".

He added, "I know him well, I’ve known him for years. He's a brave man, and he's a great man. They would absolutely be a positive".

In a separate video shared by the US State Department, Trump said, "I look forward to having King Charles come. He's a friend of mine. We've spoken, and we're going to have a great time".

The UK's King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to begin a high-profile state visit to the US starting Monday (April 27), ahead of the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The visit will include a private tea with Trump, bilateral discussions at the White House, and engagements such as a state dinner and public appearances in Washington, New York, and Virginia, the report said.

The trip is being seen as a key diplomatic moment to reinforce the long-standing "special relationship" between the two allies.

RECENT STRAIN IN US-UK TIES

The visit comes at a time when US-UK relations have been under significant strain, largely due to disagreements over the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Trump has repeatedly criticised Starmer’s approach, describing Britain's stance as "terrible" and accusing the UK of hesitating to support US military actions.

At one point, he remarked that Starmer was "not Winston Churchill," underscoring the increasingly sharp rhetoric between the two leaders.

Tensions escalated further after the UK declined to allow the US to use British bases for initial strikes related to the Iran conflict.

Trump responded by suggesting that the US did not need British military support, stating, "We don't need people that join Wars after we've already won!"

Starmer, however, has maintained that the UK would "not get dragged in" to the conflict, insisting it is "not our war," while later permitting limited defensive cooperation.

TRADE TENSIONS

Beyond military disagreements, trade tensions have also surfaced. Trump has warned that Washington could impose tariffs if Britain continues its digital services tax targeting major US tech firms. "If they don't drop the tax, we'll probably put a big tariff on the UK," he said during a White House event.

Despite the political friction, British officials have emphasised the enduring nature of ties between the two nations.

Starmer recently described the monarchy as "an important reminder of the longstanding bonds and enduring relationship between our two countries," adding that the partnership extends beyond individual leaders.

Former diplomats have also suggested that the King's visit is less about resolving immediate disputes and more about reinforcing long-term strategic and cultural connections.

The backdrop of the visit has drawn comparisons to past moments of diplomatic repair, including royal interventions during periods of geopolitical tension.

Analysts note that King Charles may seek to use soft power to ease tensions, even as he avoids direct involvement in policy disagreements.

As the visit approaches, expectations remain cautious but hopeful.

While it may not immediately resolve policy differences, the high-profile engagement could help stabilise relations and open channels for improved dialogue. The coming days are likely to test whether royal diplomacy can bridge political divides and reset the tone between two longstanding allies.

- Ends

With agency inputs

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