US President Donald Trump has said that the upcoming state visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla could help improve relations between Washington and London, as tensions linger over foreign policy and domestic issues. Speaking in a phone interview with the BBC, Trump said the visit, scheduled to begin next week, would be a positive step for the relationship between the two countries.
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“Absolutely,” he said when asked if the trip could help repair ties. “He’s fantastic. He’s a fantastic man. Absolutely the answer is yes.”
Trump added that he had known the British monarch for many years and described him as “a brave man” and “a great man”.
The King and Queen are due to arrive in the United States on Monday for a four-day visit that will include meetings with the US president and senior officials.
State visit schedule
During their stay in Washington, King Charles is expected to hold a private meeting with Trump at the White House and deliver an address to the US Congress.
After two days in the US capital, the royal couple will travel to New York, Virginia and Bermuda before returning to the UK.
According to the UK Foreign Office, the trip is intended to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence and highlight the long-standing partnership between the two countries. Officials say the visit will celebrate shared history as well as cooperation on security and economic ties.
Differences over policy
Trump also used the interview to comment on his relationship with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, suggesting the UK leader could improve his standing if he altered certain policies.
The US president said Starmer could “recover” politically if he changed his approach to immigration and allowed expanded oil and gas extraction in the North Sea.
The remarks followed criticism Trump posted earlier this week on his social media platform Truth Social, where he described the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States as “a really bad pick”.
Trump has repeatedly urged Britain to increase drilling in the North Sea, arguing that it would strengthen energy security.
Starmer responded by saying he makes decisions based on what he believes is in Britain’s national interest.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the prime minister said the UK would not be drawn into policies or conflicts based on outside pressure.
Iran conflict tensions
Differences have also emerged between the two leaders over the conflict involving Iran.
Trump has criticised the level of support offered by some allies, including the UK, during the crisis. Starmer has maintained that Britain would not become involved in a wider war.
Asked why he wanted allies to participate, Trump said their involvement was not essential but that he wanted to see whether they would support the United States.
“I didn’t need them at all but they should’ve been there,” he said.
The president also claimed that Iran’s military had been severely weakened and said his warnings to Tehran were aimed at encouraging negotiations.
BBC lawsuit
Towards the end of the interview, Trump referenced a defamation lawsuit he has filed against the BBC over a Panorama documentary about the 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol.
The case centres on how a speech Trump delivered before the riot was edited in the programme. The broadcaster previously apologised for the edit but rejected calls for compensation and has said it will defend the case in court.
A BBC spokesperson said the organisation believes there is no basis for the claim.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 24 April 2026
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