The atmosphere could become electric if certain issues are put on the table. King Charles III and Queen Camilla are embarking on a visit to Washington on Monday, April 27, under very particular circumstances: just after an attack at a gala attended by Donald Trump, and amid diplomatic tensions surrounding the conflict in Iran. Not to mention the Epstein file.
The state visit, from April 27 to April 30, is meant to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. It “will proceed as planned,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said on Sunday, a few hours after an armed assailant tried to force entry into a press dinner attended by the American president.
Voyage impopulaire
Charles III was “very relieved” to learn that Donald Trump had come out “unscathed” after shots were fired during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, outside the room where the president was with thousands of other guests.
The British Ambassador to the United States, Christian Turner, spoke Sunday of the “immense enthusiasm” of the American president for this visit, through which Donald Trump is also returning the favor after being warmly received in the UK last year.
Despite the displayed enthusiasm, Charles III will have to avoid fueling the strong criticism in the UK about this unpopular trip, and especially not give the image of a humiliating endeavor to soften the unpredictable American president.
Attacks against Starmer
The monarch also has the implicit mission of appeasing Donald Trump, who is personally well-disposed towards him, but irritated by the reservations of British authorities over the war in Iran, among other points of contention.
In addition to attacking Keir Starmer, the American president has upset the transatlantic “special relationship” by targeting the British army and navy. He has also downplayed the contribution of the British when they fought alongside Americans in Afghanistan.
The backdrop of the visit will also include the Epstein affair and the past friendship between the king’s brother, Andrew, and the late criminal.
Commentators will be watching for any allusion, even the most subtle, to this issue that continues to shake the British monarchy during the four days the royal couple will spend in American soil.
Speech to ease diplomatic tension
The schedule of this visit includes a tea with President and First Lady Melania Trump on Monday, followed by a visit to the beehives at the White House.
On Tuesday, the most formal 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 wives will attend an event focused on education and artificial intelligence.
On the same day, the British monarch is expected to deliver a speech before the US Congress – the first of its kind since Elizabeth II in 1991 – to ease current diplomatic tensions by invoking the 250-year-old relationship between the UK and its former colony turned superpower.
The two couples will gather for an intimate gala dinner at a reception room in the White House, instead of the usual grand pavilion in the gardens for such occasions. Donald Trump dislikes this temporary structure and wants to replace it with a monumental ballroom, the construction of which is underway and he will likely mention it 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.
