King Charles is about to meet Trump and the timing could not be worse

April 19, 2026 — 9:00am

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London: King Charles seemed to work wonders when he hosted Donald Trump at Windsor Castle last year during a state visit that was generally judged to be an outstanding success.

The King honoured the US president and his wife, Melania, with a trip through the town on horse-drawn carriages, ensured full honours from the royal guards and threw a lavish banquet for 160 guests.

“The ocean may still divide us, but in so many other ways we are now the closest of kin,” the King told the president in his remarks to the state banquet about the ties between their two countries.

Trump appeared to soften as the hours passed at Windsor. The next day, at a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he was all smiles when they outlined trade and business deals meant to be worth billions of dollars.

Six months later, Trump is about to return the honour by hosting the King and Queen Camilla on a state visit that will include a banquet at the White House, a garden party and a ceremonial military review.

And the timing could not be worse. Trump regularly complains about Starmer’s refusal to back the war with Iran, and he mocks the “toys” of the Royal Navy. A few months ago, he caused deep offence among veterans by saying, falsely, that allied troops “stayed a little back” from fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Royals expert wraps up the biggest moments during Trump's UK visit

While the King managed a smooth visit for Trump last September, there are grave doubts about the wisdom of the imminent royal visit to America. The war in Iran presents an immense challenge, while the president’s mood swings........

© The Age