US President Donald Trump has said the upcoming state visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla could help repair relations between the United States and the United Kingdom.
Speaking in a phone interview with the BBC, Trump described the King as “fantastic” and suggested the visit would have a positive impact on bilateral relations.
“Absolutely. He’s fantastic. He’s a fantastic man. Absolutely the answer is yes,” Trump said when asked if the visit could improve ties.
“I know him well, I’ve known him for years. He’s a brave man, and he’s a great man. They would absolutely be a positive.”
The King and Queen are scheduled to begin a four-day visit to the US on Monday, during which they will meet Trump at the White House. The King is also expected to hold a private meeting with the president and deliver an address to Congress.
Following their Washington engagements, the royal couple will travel to New York, Virginia, and Bermuda before returning to the United Kingdom. The Foreign Office said the visit will mark the 250th anniversary of US independence and highlight a partnership based on “shared prosperity, security and history.”
Trump also addressed his relationship with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stating that improvement would depend on changes in immigration policy and energy strategy.
“If he opened the North Sea and if his immigration policies became strong, which right now they’re not, he can recover,” Trump said.
The US president also criticised recent UK policy positions on energy production, calling for increased oil and gas extraction from the North Sea.
Tensions between Washington and London have also been heightened by differing positions on the conflict involving Iran, with Trump claiming the UK had not provided sufficient support, while the UK government has maintained it will avoid being drawn into a broader war.
“I didn’t need them at all but they should’ve been there,” Trump said, adding that US actions against Iran had been carried out independently.
He further described recent diplomatic pressure as a “test” of allied commitment.
Trump also defended controversial remarks made earlier this month regarding Iran, insisting that his approach has been effective in pushing negotiations forward.
“The other side is dying to make a deal,” he said.
The state visit is expected to be closely watched amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and evolving US–UK relations.
