King Charles and Prince William could visit the U.S. next year to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and boost relations with Donald Trump, who has frequently spoken of his admiration and respect for the British monarchy.
The London Times reported Monday that “senior royals” were being “lined up” for the task and that plans had been discussed at the highest levels of government.
Any such visit could be enormously helpful to the U.K., especially given that the British government and the Prime Minister Keir Starmer have both been attacked by Trump and his social media hitman, Elon Musk.
While no formal suggestion has yet been tabled, diplomats are said to favor the celebrations of 2026, when the soccer World Cup will also be held in America. Prince William is a soccer fan and patron of Britain’s Football Association.
A senior U.K. government source told the Times: “Donald Trump has a clear affinity for the royal family. He had a great relationship with the late Queen, recently met Prince William and has spoken highly of King Charles. A royal tour to the U.S. would help reinforce the ‘special relationship’.”
Another source was cited as saying: “Playing up to his pro-monarchist tendencies is one of a number of important ways we can exert our soft power. You saw that during his first administration and can expect to see it again.”
Queen Elizabeth II travelled to the U.S. in 1976 to mark the country’s 200th anniversary of independence.
The Daily Beast has approached Buckingham Palace for comment.
