Dimbleby Condemns Starmer's Decision to Send King Charles on US State Visit to Trump
Veteran royal broadcaster David Dimbleby has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of misusing King Charles by dispatching the monarch to the United States to gladhand Donald Trump. This criticism comes despite Trump's repeated derogatory remarks about Britain, including mocking the nation's armed forces and its role in Afghanistan.
Trump's Insults and the Controversial Diplomatic Mission
Dimbleby, a stalwart of the BBC, expressed outrage over the decision to send King Charles and Queen Camilla to Washington later this month. He labelled Trump a 'bully' who does not deserve the honour of a royal visit. The broadcaster questioned the rationale behind sending the titular head of the UK's armed forces on a diplomatic mission to appease a figure who has consistently disparaged British military efforts.
Buckingham Palace announced the highly anticipated but contentious state visit yesterday, confirming it will proceed as planned. However, this announcement followed less than an hour after Trump's latest outburst on social media, where he continues to undermine the so-called 'special relationship' between the UK and the US.
Trump's Fury and Dimbleby's Rebuke
Trump has repeatedly vented his anger at Sir Keir's refusal to involve the UK in his troubled conflict with Iran. Using his Truth Social platform, he told the Prime Minister and Britain to 'go get your own oil' as Europe faces fuel shortages and soaring costs. In an interview with BBC Newsnight, Dimbleby stated, 'We are dealing with a president who is a narcissist and a bully, and he has been bullying Britain.'
He emphasised, 'The King is the head of the Armed Forces, and I think a rebuke of some kind is necessary. I don't see that the full panoply of a state banquet and a speech at Congress is appropriate; it is a misuse of the King, who has to do what he is told by the Government. It is giving Trump more than he deserves.'
Historical Context and Political Backlash
Trump has previously hurled personal insults at the Prime Minister and belittled the UK's military, recently branding the Royal Navy's largest ships as mere 'toys.' Meanwhile, King Charles reflected on the UK's relationship with allies at a 'difficult time' while awarding a knighthood to a former head of the armed forces at Windsor Castle.
Despite weeks of public outcry calling for the trip—marking the 250th anniversary of American independence—to be delayed or cancelled, Number 10 has refused to heed these demands. A formal notice was issued this morning, with diplomats arguing it is crucial to maintain and strengthen links with the Trump administration, even as they keep 'one-eye on a post-Trump future.'
Political Reactions and Trump's Enthusiasm
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey accused the Prime Minister of 'showing a staggering lack of backbone by pushing ahead with this state visit while Donald Trump treats our country with contempt.' He added, 'To send the King on a state visit to the US after Trump dismissed our Royal Navy as 'toys' is a humiliation, and a sign of a government too weak to stand up to bullies.'
In contrast, Trump declared the visit a 'momentous occasion' on Truth Social, revealing it will span four days from April 27 to 30, including 'a beautiful Banquet Dinner' at the White House on April 28. He expressed eagerness to spend time with King Charles, whom he 'greatly respects,' predicting the event will be 'TERRIFIC!'
