Buckingham Palace is said to be grappling with a politically awkward situation following the confirmation of a state visit for U.S. President Donald Trump—one that insiders claim was accelerated despite King Charles’s desire for delay.
The original plan proposed a low-key meeting at Balmoral, followed by a formal state event later in Trump’s term. However, after rejecting the informal offer, Trump insisted on a full state visit, and the UK government obliged—reportedly to the dismay of the Palace.
The matter has been further complicated by Trump’s provocative comment suggesting Canada could become the 51st U.S. state. Though he did not name Trump, the King appeared to respond with a pointed defence of Canadian sovereignty during last month’s State Opening of Parliament.
An official manu regia, signed by the King, was hand-delivered to the White House last week. But Palace sources told The Daily Beast that Prime Minister Keir Starmer pushed the visit forward “against the King’s wishes,” creating behind-the-scenes friction.
“Charles has been bounced into doing it now by Trump,” a former courtier revealed. “The Balmoral plan was clearly a diplomatic stalling tactic—but Trump saw through it.”
Some believe Trump’s urgency may be tied to speculation surrounding the King’s health, prompting him to push for the visit sooner.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a public statement, and officials continue to clarify that state visits are arranged at the request of the sitting government—not initiated by the monarch.
