King Charles III meets Donald Trump in the United States amidst tension between the two countries

The atmosphere could become electric if certain issues are brought to the table. King Charles III and Queen Camilla are embarking on a visit to Washington on Monday, April 27, amidst a very particular context: just after an attack during a gala attended by Donald Trump, and in the midst of diplomatic tension surrounding the conflict in Iran. Not to mention the Epstein affair.

The state visit, from April 27 to April 30, is intended to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. It “will proceed as planned,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said on Sunday, just hours after an armed assailant tried to force their way into a press dinner attended by the American president.

Voyage Unpopular

Charles III breathed a sigh of relief to learn that Donald Trump had emerged “safe and sound” after shots were fired during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, outside the room where the president was with thousands of other guests.

British Ambassador to the United States, Christian Turner, spoke on Sunday of “enormous enthusiasm” from the American president for this visit, returning the favor after being warmly received in the UK last year.

Despite the displayed enthusiasm, Charles III must avoid fueling the strong criticism in the UK over this unpopular trip, and above all not give the impression of a humiliating endeavor aimed at appeasing the unpredictable American president.

Attacks against Starmer

The monarch also has the implicit mission of placating Donald Trump, who is well disposed personally towards him but annoyed by the reservations of British authorities regarding the war in Iran, among other points of contention.

In addition to attacking Keir Starmer, the American president has disrupted the transatlantic “special relationship” by criticizing the British army and navy. He also downplayed the sacrifices made by the British while fighting alongside Americans in Afghanistan.

The visit will take place against the backdrop of another explosive issue: the Epstein case and the past friendship of the king’s brother, Andrew, with the late criminal.

Commentators will be watching for any allusion, no matter how subtle, to this issue that continues to shake the British monarchy during the four days that the royal couple will spend in American soil.

Speeches to ease diplomatic tension

The program of this visit includes a welcome tea with President Trump and Melania Trump on Monday, followed by a visit to the beehives at the White House.

On Tuesday, the most ceremonial day of the trip will begin with a military welcome ceremony. Donald Trump and Charles III will have a meeting in the Oval Office, while their spouses participate in an event focused on education and artificial intelligence.

That same day, the British sovereign is expected to deliver a speech to the American Congress – the first of its kind since Elizabeth II in 1991 – to ease the current diplomatic tension by invoking the relationship of two and a half centuries, with its highs and lows, between the UK and its former colony turned superpower.

The two couples will gather in the evening for a small gala dinner in a reception room at the White House, instead of the usual grand pavilion in the gardens for such occasions. Donald Trump detests this temporary structure and wants to replace it with a monumental ballroom, the construction of which is underway and he will likely be eager to mention to his guests.

After a visit to New York on Wednesday, the king and queen will visit the 9/11 Memorial. They will see Melania and Donald Trump one last time on Thursday, before their return trip.