A senior palace aide has disclosed that the King 'grasped in both hands' the 'risk and challenge' of his recent state visit to the United States, which included a high-stakes address to Congress. The trip represented Charles's most significant diplomatic test to date, but also served as a crucial opportunity to advance palace objectives at the request of the Government.
Much attention was paid to the personal rapport between the King and Donald Trump, with the aide confirming the two men 'get on very well'. The aide added: 'The warmth that you see in public is absolutely the warmth you see in private.' When asked if Trump having a warmer relationship with the King than the Prime Minister was awkward, the aide clarified: 'It's not a competition between the King and the Government. The King is there to support the Government, to help the Government. It was at the Government's request, of course, that he undertook this visit.'
The King's address to Congress was widely interpreted as a subtle challenge to some of Mr Trump's known positions, particularly on Ukraine, Nato, adherence to international rules, and climate change. However, the aide stressed that the King was guided by 'truth' and his 'conscience', and that the speech's contents were 'a measure of how much he personally cares'.
Ahead of the visit, Downing Street's request for the King to travel was seen as a 'throw of the dice', aimed at mending the UK-US special relationship. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey had previously voiced concerns about Charles potentially being embarrassed by Mr Trump. Reflecting on the journey, the aide remarked: 'What looked like risk and challenge was also a phenomenal opportunity. One that was grasped in both hands by the King.'
The monarchy's 'soft power diplomacy' is considered its most potent tool in supporting the UK's international interests. During the four-day visit, Mr Trump appeared won over, repeatedly praising 'fantastic' Charles and lifting tariffs on Scottish whisky following an intervention by the Queen and King. Discussing the bond between the two leaders, the aide noted: 'They get on very well. And it's not just the King and the president. It's all four of them with each other.'
