Donald Trump has publicly suggested that King Charles III would have taken a significantly different position on the Iran war compared to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. The former US president made these remarks during an interview with The Telegraph, just as Buckingham Palace confirmed that the King and Queen Camilla's state visit to the United States will proceed as scheduled this week.
Trump's Comments on Royal Support
In his interview, Trump expressed admiration for King Charles, stating, "I like him. I always liked him as a prince. He's a good man, a great representative for your country." He went further to imply that the monarch would have backed his military actions in Iran, unlike the current UK political leadership. "I think he would have taken a very different stand (on the war in Iran) but he doesn't do that. I mean, he's a great gentleman," Trump added.
Strained US-UK Relations
These comments come amid growing tension between Trump and Sir Keir Starmer, with the US leader repeatedly criticising allies for refusing to join the military action against Iran. Trump clarified that the King has "nothing to do with this" diplomatic breakdown, emphasising that the royal visit remains separate from political disagreements.
The state visit, set to include a "beautiful Banquet Dinner" at the White House on April 28, has faced calls for postponement or cancellation due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. However, such visits are rarely postponed except for security or health reasons, and the royal family's soft power diplomacy is viewed as crucial for engaging with Trump, who has long expressed admiration for the monarchy.
Trump's Military Threats
Simultaneously, Trump has escalated his rhetoric against Iran, claiming he rejected a ceasefire request from what he described as Iran's "New Regime President." On his Truth Social platform, Trump threatened to bomb Iran "back to the Stone Ages" if Tehran fails to ensure free passage for ships through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
"We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages," he declared. This hardline stance contrasts sharply with Starmer's opposition to UK involvement in the conflict, highlighting the political divide that Trump's comments about King Charles have brought into focus.
