King Charles to Proceed with U.S. Visit Amid U.K.-U.S. Differences Over Iran Conflict

By Michael Birnbaum

*Washington Post*

*Published: 2026-04-27*

The visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States, originally planned to highlight Anglo-American ties 250 years after the Declaration of Independence, is occurring during a period of notable friction between London and Washington. The tensions center on the U.S. military campaign against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, following Iranian threats and concerns over its nuclear program, and disagreements over the level of British involvement.

On Sunday, Buckingham Palace issued a statement confirming that the four-day visit would proceed as scheduled, despite a shooting incident on Saturday that prompted a security review. "The King and Queen are most grateful to all those who have worked at pace to ensure this remains the case and are looking forward to the Visit getting underway tomorrow," the palace said.

British officials view the king's role as potentially helpful in addressing the differences, given his non-political position and established rapport with President Trump. The king does not engage directly in politics or grant interviews, a practice noted by some U.S. officials preparing for the meetings.

President Trump has expressed positive anticipation for the visit, describing the king as "a friend of mine" and stating last week, "We’re really looking forward to it, we’ve spoken and we’re going to have a great time." In contrast, Trump has criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for Britain's initial refusal to allow U.S. planes to use its air bases at the outset of the conflict, citing legal restrictions on preemptive strikes. Britain approved such access after Iran's retaliatory actions.

Starmer's government has expressed reservations about the campaign, particularly amid rising energy prices affecting the U.K. economy. Public opinion polls, such as one from the i Newspaper in March 2026, indicate 47 percent opposition to British participation in strikes, though sentiment on the war itself varies.

By early April 2026, the U.S. reported significant advances in its objectives: a 90 percent reduction in Iranian missile launches, destruction of much of Iran's navy, and degradation of its proxy forces. Ceasefire negotiations advanced with the dispatch of envoys to Pakistan on April 25, 2026.

British Ambassador Christian Turner highlighted the historical alliance in comments, noting, "Despite our small disagreement in 1776 and the fact that we burnt down the White House — I think, only once — it has now become one of the most enduring alliances in history." The itinerary includes a garden party at the ambassador's residence, an Oval Office meeting, a state dinner at the White House, and an address by the king to a joint session of Congress—the second British monarch to do so, following Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.

Relations between Trump and Starmer have cooled since the conflict's start. During Trump's state visit to Windsor Castle in September 2025, he described Starmer as "a very good man" and praised bilateral ties. Starmer's approach involved policy critiques without personal attacks, but Trump has since questioned Starmer's leadership, reportedly stating last month that "this is not Winston Churchill we’re dealing with" and that Britain is no longer "the Rolls-Royce of allies."

Starmer, in turn, has resisted U.S. requests to deploy British ships to the Strait of Hormuz, framing it as a decision to avoid deeper involvement in the conflict. This stance has drawn criticism from some in the U.K., including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who initially supported the U.S. campaign but later moderated their positions.

In London, views on proceeding with the visit differ. Government sources, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of planning, argue that canceling would harm ties with the U.S., Britain's primary ally. One official said Charles's experience with reserved public statements positions him to manage interactions effectively, even if outcomes remain uncertain.

Opposition figures have questioned the decision. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey argued it represents a lack of resolve, potentially benefiting Trump diplomatically.

Fiona Hill, who served as a national security adviser on Russia during Trump's first term and has since offered criticisms of his approach, suggested broader concerns in the U.K. about the military relationship. "There’s a sort of feeling in the U.K. that it’s kind of the reverse of 250 years ago, the U.S. treating the U.K. like the colony. The U.K. military is just an appendage for the United States," Hill said. She noted historical U.K. military structures supporting U.S. operations, though recent shifts aim to prioritize British interests. Hill added that Charles's appeal to Trump could still play a role, given the president's reported admiration for the monarchy.

Both leaders face domestic challenges reflected in opinion polls. Trump contends with security concerns following the recent shooting, while Starmer deals with economic weakness, questions over his government's direction, and a scandal involving his initial nominee for ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson.

Mandelson, who had ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, was dismissed after failing initial security vetting. Starmer has stated he was unaware of the clearance issue, but the matter has fueled perceptions of governmental oversight lapses.

The Iran situation has had mixed effects for Starmer. His refusal to commit naval assets has positioned him as cautious on involvement in an conflict that, while showing U.S. progress, has contributed to U.K. inflation and market volatility.

King Charles faces his own issues during the visit, including pressure to meet families of victims connected to Epstein allegations involving his brother, Prince Andrew (Mountbatten-Windsor). Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was forced to have sex with Andrew three times at age 17 and died by suicide last year, had family members urge in an email to The Washington Post this month: "We strongly urge King Charles to meet with us and survivors and hear what we have to say."

Andrew remains under police investigation. Charles has removed his brother's royal title and residence at Windsor Castle. Palace officials, citing ongoing legal proceedings, have indicated no meetings with the families will occur.

Queen Camilla is scheduled to meet activists focused on sexual violence and domestic abuse, consistent with her prior public statements on those topics.

The visit unfolds under heightened security measures following Saturday's incident, with U.S. and U.K. officials coordinating closely.

Hendrix reported from London. Ted Muldoon and Mariana Alfaro in Washington contributed to this report.

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