A senior palace aide has revealed 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.
The aide confirmed that the King and Donald Trump 'get on very well,' adding that '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' in delivering a speech that resonated with both Republicans and Democrats.
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. 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 aide further explained the King’s forward-looking nature: 'He’s not a man to dwell long on what some may consider yesterday’s successes, he is always looking towards tomorrow’s opportunities.' During the four-day visit, Mr Trump appeared to be won over, repeatedly praising 'fantastic' Charles, and lifted tariffs on Scottish whisky following an intervention by the Queen and King.
