King Charles has extended his congratulations to Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, marking the start of Trump’s second term in office.
As President Trump took the oath of office in the Capitol Rotunda, a private letter from the King arrived at the White House, offering best wishes and reaffirming the strong “special relationship” between the United Kingdom and the United States.
This enduring partnership might take on an added royal dimension during Trump’s second term, given his well-known admiration for the British monarchy. The President has frequently expressed his deep respect for Queen Elizabeth II and has also spoken warmly of King Charles III. Shortly after his election, Trump met with the then-Prince of Wales at the British Embassy in Paris, following their attendance at the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral.
Speculation is now growing about the possibility of a State Visit by President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to the UK. If it materializes, it would be a historic occasion, as no elected politician has ever been honored with two State Visits to Britain.
Such a visit could align with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. President Trump has already indicated his intention to hold nationwide celebrations for this milestone, and there is a strong likelihood of reciprocal royal engagement during these events. In 1976, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip marked the bicentennial with a significant visit to the United States, which Her Majesty highlighted in her Christmas speech that year.
During Trump’s first State Visit in 2019, he and Melania were hosted at Buckingham Palace. This time, however, Windsor Castle is expected to serve as the venue, given the ongoing renovations at Buckingham Palace. The grandeur and pageantry of such visits play a critical role in strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The letter from King Charles to President Trump seems to underscore the importance of maintaining robust UK-US relations. With the President emphasizing international partnerships in his inaugural address, this renewed focus on the special relationship is likely to feature prominently on the agenda for both nations.
As the world watches the beginning of Trump’s second term, it is clear that King Charles and the Royal Family may play a pivotal role in fostering diplomatic goodwill. The King’s personal message to the White House on January 20, 2025, may be the first of many steps in a strengthened transatlantic alliance. Photo by Office of Vice President of the United States, Wikimedia commons.