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King Charles III on State Visit to US to Reaffirm 'Special Relationship'
King Charles III's US Visit Marked by Tension
King Charles III's state visit to the United States aims to reaffirm and renew the 'special relationship' between the two countries. However, the visit, occurring during US President Donald Trump's term, is surrounded by tension. Douglas Herbert, an international affairs commentator for France 24, noted that 49% of British citizens wanted the visit canceled, indicating public reluctance for the King to be associated with President Trump. The meeting with Trump is scheduled to be held off-camera, likely to avoid potential diplomatic friction.
Delicate Relationship with President Trump and UK Opposition
President Trump held great respect for Queen Elizabeth, and reportedly has a good relationship with King Charles III. However, Douglas Herbert stated that some critics have likened this visit to that of the Duke of Windsor (King Charles III's great-uncle) visiting Adolf Hitler in 1937, raising concerns that it could be used as a propaganda tool by the Trump administration. This reflects fears that the King's visit might be entangled in US domestic political debates, potentially tarnishing the British monarchy's reputation. The ongoing Iran war, economic instability, and Trump's unpredictable nature further complicate the visit.
Congressional Address and Emphasis on 'Democratic Values'
King Charles III is scheduled to address a joint session of the US Congress. This marks only the second time a British monarch has done so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991, making it a rare and significant event. In 1991, Queen Elizabeth famously stated that 'some people believe that power grows from the barrel of a gun. So it can, but history shows that it never grows well, nor for very long.' She emphasized societies based on mutual agreement, contract, and consensus. King Charles III is expected to echo similar sentiments, reaffirming the 'shared democratic values' of both nations and highlighting their history of cooperation, even through rough patches. This message is particularly poignant amidst current concerns about the state of democracy in the Trump era.
*Source: YouTube: France 24 English (2026-04-28)*
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