Keir Starmer to proceed with King’s US visit amid rising tensions
SIR Keir Starmer is set to ignore Labour calls to delay the King’s US visit – with plans in the works for an even bigger trip, reports BritPanorama.
The Prime Minister faces pressure to postpone the royal tour amid the Iran conflict, as Donald Trump’s criticisms of Starmer have raised concerns that it could leave King Charles and Camilla “embarrassed” on the global stage.
However, officials are currently finalising the itinerary for the landmark visit, which is intended to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. The three-day trip is expected to include Washington and New York, with discussions underway to potentially add a third US city.
There are also talks about extending the visit with a stop in the Caribbean. The tour is anticipated as a crucial moment to reinforce the special relationship between the UK and the US, following heightened tensions due to the Iran situation.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Starmer for his stance on American and Israeli actions in recent weeks. In light of this, Starmer reportedly discussed the King’s visit with Trump during a call, aiming to ease tensions between the two allied nations.
The US President, known for his admiration of the Royal Family, is perceived by aides as particularly open to royal diplomacy. However, Dame Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, cautioned that it may be “safer” to delay the visit given the current circumstances.
She stated to the BBC, “If it was to go ahead, it would go ahead against a backdrop of a war and that, I think, is quite difficult – and the last thing that we want to do is to have their majesties embarrassed.”
Former US ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott echoed this sentiment, noting the timing could be “problematic” and asserting that the Government has a duty to protect the monarchy. The trip, scheduled for the end of April, has yet to be formally announced but is being coordinated with Buckingham Palace and US counterparts.
This geopolitical landscape underscores the complexities of royal visits during times of conflict, revealing a delicate balance between tradition and sensitivity to current events.
