Donald Trump has claimed that King Charles III would have backed his war in Iran. In a veiled dig at Keir Starmer, the US President told the Telegraph that His Majesty would have taken a “different stand” from Starmer.
The comments come as the UK faces a barrage of criticism from Washington, with Trump left furious about the refusal by the UK and European allies to engage in offensive action in Iran. “I like him. I always liked him as a prince. He’s a good man, a great representative for your country,” Trump said when asked about the King’s upcoming visit to mark 250 years of US independence.
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.”
Mr Trump, who has long been an admirer of the Royal Family, was invited for a second State Visit last year, a move seen by many as an attempt by the government to placate the US President.
Referencing his relationship with the monarch, Trump told The Telegraph the King was “a friend of mine”, adding that he had “nothing to do with this”, in reference to the breakdown in the special relationship over the Iran war.
He added: “I have a great relationship with King Charles, I’ve known him a long time.
“He’s a wonderful and brave man, to be honest with you. He’s been through a lot, in many ways.”
The comments come after Buckingham Palace confirmed that the King and Queen’s long-expected historic trip will take place in late April, despite pressure to postpone the engagement.
US president Mr Trump declared the trip will be “TERRIFIC!” and a “momentous occasion” in a post on his Truth Social, adding that there would be “a beautiful Banquet Dinner” at the White House on the evening of April 28.
He also revealed the “historic state visit” will take place over four days from April 27-30 – despite Buckingham Palace deciding not to release the exact dates in its own official announcement.
“I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!,” Mr Trump added.
Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey condemned the decision to continue with the trip, and accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of showing a “staggering lack of backbone” while Mr Trump treated the UK with contempt.
However, the visit comes against the backdrop of a fraught relationship between London and Washington, with Starmer drawing the ire of Keir Starmer over his stance on the war in Iran.
The US president told the Telegraph he is considering whether to pull America out of NATO in response to the perceived lack of support.
Asked about the remarks on Wednesday, Sir Keir said he would continue to act in the British national interest “whatever the pressure on me and others, whatever the noise”.
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth also rounded on the UK for failing to send warships to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying “last time I checked there was supposed to be a big, bad Royal Navy”.
Speaking at a Pentagon news conference, he said: “I think the president was clear this morning in his Truth (Social post) that there are countries around the world who ought to be prepared to step up on this critical waterway as well.
“It’s not just the United States navy. Last time I checked, there was supposed to be a big, bad Royal Navy that could be prepared to do things like that as well.
“He’s pointing out, this is an international waterway that we use less than most. In fact, dramatically less than most.
“So the world ought to pay attention to be prepared to stand up. President Trump has been willing to do the heavy lifting on behalf of the free world to address this threat of Iran.
“It’s not just our problem set going forward, even though we have done lion’s share of preparation to ensure that strait will will be open.”
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