London, United Kingdom. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said a planned visit by King Charles to the United States should be cancelled after President Donald Trump repeatedly criticised Britain and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Davey calls for cancellation of visit
Davey, whose party is the third-biggest in parliament, said Starmer should avoid placing the king, Britain’s ceremonial head of state, at the centre of what he described as a “highly political situation” with an April visit. He said a state visit would be seen as a diplomatic boost for Trump and should not be offered to someone who “repeatedly insults and damages” Britain.
Trump criticism of Starmer and UK policy
Trump has repeatedly criticised Starmer after London initially blocked the United States from using British bases to attack Iran. Trump said Starmer was “not Winston Churchill” and that he had helped to “ruin” the so-called Special Relationship between the two countries.
Afghanistan comments drew rare rebuke from Starmer
In January, Trump said European troops had stayed off the front lines in Afghanistan. Starmer responded with a rare rebuke, describing the comments as “frankly appalling” and insulting to the families of the 457 British service personnel who died in the war.
Royal diplomacy and recent engagements
In Britain, the government advises the monarch on relations with foreign leaders. The Starmer government has used the soft power of the royal family to help manage relations with Trump over the last year.
Charles hosted Trump for an unprecedented second state visit to Britain last September, including a carriage ride and a state banquet at Windsor Castle. Prince William is also due to visit the United States in the summer during the soccer World Cup.
Tariffs and government response
Davey said that while Trump appeared to like the royal family, he did not treat Britain any better as a result, citing his tariff policy.
Asked about Davey’s remarks, senior minister Steve Reed said the king did a remarkable job representing Britain abroad and that it was not for him or Davey to comment on the arrangements.
Do you think the planned royal visit should go ahead despite the political tensions?
