King Charles's planned state visit to the United States is under threat amid tensions between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Donald Trump, sources have indicated. The four-day trip, intended to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, was seen as a crucial opportunity to reaffirm the UK-US 'special relationship'.
However, diplomatic sources suggest that disagreements over trade and defence spending, as well as Trump's recent comments on Ukraine, have cast doubt on the visit's viability. The King's office has declined to comment, but insiders say preparations have been paused pending further discussions between London and Washington.
The visit would have required careful handling, with the monarch needing to navigate a politically charged atmosphere. Issues including the ongoing Epstein scandal and the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in the US were already seen as potential pitfalls.
A decision on whether the visit will proceed is expected within weeks, as both sides assess the feasibility of rescheduling or cancelling the trip altogether.
