London: When British prime ministers need help, they can call on a power few others can match: the monarchy.

King Charles and the royal family will be put to the nation’s service this week when US President Donald Trump stays at Windsor Castle as part of an official state visit.

Clockwise from bottom left: Melania Trump and her husband US President Donald Trump; King Charles; Catherine, the Princess of Wales; and Prince William.Credit: Illustration: Marija Ercegovac

Only the King can bring the full honours needed to impress Trump with the glory of the monarchy and convince him that British interests are aligned with his.

Sir Keir Starmer is leaving nothing to chance. The prime minister has just had a political fortnight from hell and badly needs a successful Trump visit to spin his way out of a spiral of bad news.

One year after he was elected, Starmer presides over a weak economy that offers no growth despite his promise to revive the country after 14 years of Conservative rule. He is struggling to stop asylum seeker arrivals and is the target of regular protests against migration.

Starmer tried to revive his fortunes by promising “phase two” of his government this month, only to get vacuumed into a vortex of bad news.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a letter from King Charles to US President Donald Trump in February.Credit: The........

© The Sydney Morning Herald