How the UK is Using the Monarchy to Charm President Trump

The Royal Family and the "Special Relationship"

With Donald Trump beginning his second term as President of the United States, the UK government is looking to the royal family to play a key role in strengthening the "special relationship" between the two countries.

Trump's well-documented fondness for the monarchy, particularly his "automatic chemistry" with the late Queen Elizabeth II and his admiration for King Charles, presents an opportunity for the Labour government. A senior government source told The Times, "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 US would help reinforce the ‘special relationship’."

The tour could coincide with the 250th anniversary of American independence, celebrated between Memorial Day in May 2025 and July 4, 2026. Trump has expressed interest in inviting world leaders to the events, and the late Queen Elizabeth was a guest at the country's 200th anniversary in 1976.

Another potential occasion for a royal visit is the 2026 World Cup, which the US will host alongside Mexico and Canada. As an avid football fan and former president of the FA, this could be the perfect opportunity for Prince William to meet Mr. Trump once again.

This move to charm Mr. Trump comes amidst tensions over Labour's support for his Democrat rival, Ms. Harris, and the government's online battle with Elon Musk, who now heads the newly-created Department of Government Efficiency. A diplomat told The Independent, "Labour is deliberately using Britain’s soft power with Prince William and King Charles front and centre as a bridge to create a good relationship with Trump. He loves the royal family and it is the best way to his heart."

Mr. Trump's bond with the royal family is well-documented. He has been a regular visitor to the UK, including a state visit in 2019, and has often spoken of his admiration for the late Queen Elizabeth II. However, author Craig Brown claims in his new biography that the monarch found Mr. Trump "very rude" and disliked his tendency to look over her shoulder.

Despite this, Mr. Trump and King Charles appear to be on friendly terms, with Melania Trump mentioning in her memoir that they exchange letters with the monarch. As the UK seeks to strengthen its relationship with the US under President Trump, the royal family's role in fostering this connection is likely to be significant.