Kathrine Frich
Relations between Washington and London have been under strain as Donald Trump and Keir Starmer clash over the escalating war with Iran.
The US president has repeatedly criticised the UK’s reluctance to take a more active military role, while Starmer has insisted Britain will not be drawn into a conflict he says is not in the national interest.
The war has exposed deep divisions between the two allies, with sharp exchanges, public criticism and growing questions about the strength of the so-called “special relationship.”
Growing backlash
King Charles is set to travel to the United States later this year, but the decision has triggered strong reactions across the UK.
According to the Daily Express, some critics have urged the monarch to cancel the visit following remarks by US President Donald Trump.
Trump suggested that countries which did not participate in recent military actions in Iran should take greater responsibility for securing key global routes.
Diplomatic tensions
The comments, posted on Truth Social, appeared to single out the UK and were seen by some as a sign of strained relations.
He said nations that “refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran” should “build up some delayed courage, go to the strait and just take it”.
The remarks came shortly before Buckingham Palace confirmed the King and Queen would proceed with a state visit to the US.
Historic visit planned
The trip, expected to take place in late April, will mark Charles’s first visit to the US as monarch.
It will also be the first state visit by a British sovereign in nearly two decades, following Queen Elizabeth II’s tour in 2007.
Planned events include a state dinner at the White House and an address to Congress, celebrating 250 years of American independence.
Political criticism
The decision to continue with the visit has drawn criticism from some UK politicians.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey accused the government of showing a “staggering lack of backbone” in dealing with Washington.
Labour MP Dame Emily Thornberry also suggested it might be “safer to delay” the trip given current tensions.
Public reaction
Reaction online has been equally strong, with some social media users voicing anger over the visit going ahead.
One user wrote: “Time to reverse course, and shut all American bases too whilst you’re at it.”
Another described the decision as “a national embarrassment”, while others argued the UK should prioritise relations with Europe.
Palace response
Buckingham Palace confirmed the visit would proceed on the advice of the UK government.
A statement said the trip would “celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral relationship” between the two countries.
Following the US visit, the King is also expected to travel to Bermuda for his first official visit to a British Overseas Territory as monarch.
Sources: Daily Express, Truth Social, Buckingham Palace
