Donald Trump has appeared to suggest King Charles would have backed him over the war in Iran, claiming the monarch would have taken a “very different stand” to Sir Keir Starmer.
This comes as Charles and Camilla’s state visit to the US was confirmed this week, despite calls for its postponement or even cancellation due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Mr Trump made his remarks when questioned about the King’s visit during an interview with The Telegraph.
“I like him. I always liked him as a prince. He’s a good man, a great representative for your country,” Mr Trump said.
He added: “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.”
Ties between Sir Keir and the US leader are under strain from Mr Trump’s repeated criticism of allies for refusing to join the military action.
The president told the newspaper the King had “nothing to do with this”, referring to the breakdown in US-UK relations over the Iran war.
Mr Trump declared Charles’s trip would be a “momentous occasion” in a post on his Truth Social site earlier this week, adding that there would be “a beautiful Banquet Dinner” at the White House on the evening of April 28.
“I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!”, Mr Trump added.
State visits are rarely postponed, except for security reasons and illness, and the royal family’s soft power diplomacy is viewed as an important and unique way of engaging with the billionaire-turned-politician Mr Trump, who is well known for his love of the monarchy.
Earlier, Mr Trump claimed he rejected a new ceasefire request from Iran’s leader.
He simultaneously threatened to bomb the country “back to the Stone Ages” if Tehran failed to ensure free passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said “Iran’s New Regime President” — who he described as “much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors” — had asked for a “ceasefire” from the U.S.
“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 added.
About the Author
