King Charles U.S. visit comes at tense moment in transatlantic relationship

Europe King Charles U.S. visit comes at tense moment in transatlantic relationship April 26, 20266:00 AM ET By  Fatima Al-Kassab Britain's King Charles, right, and U.S. President Donald Trump speak at a State Banquet in Windsor Castle, England, on day one of U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump's second state visit to the UK, Sept. 17, 2025. Yui Mok/AP/Pool PA hide caption toggle caption Yui Mok/AP/Pool PA LONDON—When entertainer Bob Hope serenaded Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the White House in 1976, it captured a warmer chapter in U.S.–U.K. relations—set against the backdrop of America's bicentennial and the presidency of Gerald Ford. Nearly five decades later, King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive in Washington on Monday for a state visit marking 250 years since the United States declared independence from Britain. The four day trip will include a state banquet at the White House hosted by President Trump, along with an address to Congress by the King. Sponsor Message But this visit comes at a time of growing strain between the two allies, including disagreements over U.S. Israeli-led war in Iran. Still many hope the King's visit could help ease tensions and reinforce the longstanding ties between the countries. Rising Strains Between Allies In recent months, President Trump has publicly criticized Britain, particularly over its decision not to join U.S. military action in Iran. He's also dismissed British military capabilities and repeatedly taken aim at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, saying, "this is not Winston Churchill that we're dealing with." Trump's remarks have fueled criticism back in Britain and made the King's visit increasingly unpopular. Polling there shows most Britons do not support the trip, and some politicians have called for it to be canceled. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has been among those voicing opposition in Parliament. "Surely the Prime Minister can't send our King to meet a man who trea...