King Charles the 'Trump Whisperer': The British monarch's unique power is being tested as he begins most important, but fragile, mission yet

OPINION – King Charles has embarked on what could be his toughest, yet fragile, mission of his reign as he attempts to smooth over the fractured relationship between the UK and the US through Donald Trump.

The King arrived in Washington D.C. early Tuesday morning, with Queen Camilla who was wearing a brooch featuring the Union Jack and American flags, beginning an historic state visit – the first by a British monarch to the US in nearly 20 years.

Seen by many observers as the 'Trump Whisperer', Charles III is uniquely placed to act as a mediator of sorts between the two countries, who have been at odds for months over several key global issues.

And King Charles will be using Trump's well-known affection for the British monarchy to try and do what no politician can.

Officially, the King and Queen are in America in celebration of the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

But behind the scenes, advisors are hoping King Charles can use soft diplomacy to repair the damage caused by clashes between the US President and Britain's Prime Minister.

King Charles, as head of the monarchy, is a reminder of the longevity of the relationship between the US and UK.

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The so-called "special relationship" – a term coined by Winston Churchill in reference to the post-war bond between the US and UK – has never been more at risk.

Trump has repeatedly criticised Sir Keir Starmer for not backing the US-Israel war in Iran while the two leaders have also clashed on other issues including NATO, Greenland and Ukraine.

While Charles is above politics and is not expected to delve into such issues, his agenda is clear.

The monarch is in the US representing the British government and he'll play on Trump's admiration for the royal family to repair the damaged relationship between both nations.

Many political leaders around the world have respect for the monarchy, forged by the strong leadership of Queen Elizabeth II throughout her 70-year-reign.

The late monarch was a master of soft diplomacy – the only real power royals can wield, opening some diplomatic doors that would otherwise be closed.

They can listen, perhaps gently express their own views but royals cannot offer any real advice or guidance. They must remain apolitical.

King Charles observed his mother at work throughout her record-breaking reign and has had decades of his own experience walking such a fraught political tightrope.

Charles is keenly aware of Trump's long-held love for the royal family and will do his best to capitalise on that.

Trump's admiration for the royal family was inherited by his Scottish mother, Mary Anne MacLeod.

In Trump's book The Art of the Deal he described his mother being "enthralled by the pomp and circumstance, the whole idea of royalty and glamour".

Last year, he told a media conference that she "loved the Queen [Elizabeth II]. Whenever the queen was on television, she wanted to watch".

In Trump's second book, The Art of the Comeback, he wrote about the late Diana, Princess of Wales, describing her as someone who "lit up the room" and "a dream lady".

In September last year, Trump was invited for an unprecedented second state visit to the UK – the first US president to do so.

Trump made his first state visit to the UK when Elizabeth II was on the throne, in 2019.

Speaking at a state dinner inside Windsor Castle, hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla last year, Trump said: "It's a singular privilege to be the first American president welcomed here".

He continued: "If you think about it, it's a lot of presidents and this was the second state visit, and that's the first, and maybe that's going to be the last time.

"But this is truly one of the highest honours of my life, such respect for you and such respect for your country.

"For many decades, His Majesty the King has epitomised the fortitude, nobility and the spirit of the British monarchy and the British people."

The president called King Charles a "very, very special man" while Prince William, he said, was "going to have unbelievable success in the future".

Trump has previously called King Charles his "good friend".

This state visit marks the first by a British monarch to the US since Queen Elizabeth II's trip in 2007.

Last week, Trump was asked by the BBC whether the King's visit could help repair the so-called special relationship between the UK and the US.

He answered: "Absolutely".

According to royal author Robert Jobson, who wrote  Our King: Charles III, the monarch's mission was clear.

"Short of the visit made by His Majesty the King [George VI] in 1939, I would say this is the biggest and most important visit pretty much any monarch has made to America," Jobson told Newsweek.

"The king is somebody who is able to do an awful lot in terms of shifting goalposts.

"He's somebody people listen to because he's very experienced. I think Trump listens to no one, but I do think that he used to hear the late Queen. 

"I think that he certainly respects and hears what Charles has to say."

A friend of the King's told The Times: "It's definitely being seen inside the royal household as his biggest and most significant mission to date".

"The King has for years built up the ability to step through high-stakes situations. He can glide over the day-to-day politics but build cultural bridges where there may be political factions. That's why he is so valuable in this moment.

"He is the world's most experienced diplomat."

King Charles and Queen Camilla's visit is also taking place in the wake of the release of the Epstein files in which the former prince Andrew was named.

Buckingham Palace said the King and Queen would not meet with Epstein's survivors so as not to prejudice any active police investigations.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

In the US, Congress is also investigating Epstein and his associates. There have been calls for Andrew to answer questions in front of Congress.

Saturday marked one year since Virginia Giuffre – who accused Andrew of sexual abuse – died by suicide in Australia. Her brother, Sky Roberts, said the King should meet with Epstein's victims.

"This isn't about the King coming here and partying and celebrating with Trump," he said.

Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing in the case.

Victims of Epstein are planning to protest outside of the White House during the King's visit.

The palace said Queen Camilla would undertake engagements that include victims of domestic and sexual abuse more generally.

Camilla, who has long campaigned for survivors of abuse, has incorporated such themes into previous overseas visits including in Australia in 2024.

The King's most high-profile and politically-charged mission is now underway and only time will tell if the monarch manages to work his charm on the US president.

He and Queen Camilla have had tea with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House today and later will attend a garden party at the British ambassador's residence.

Tomorrow, the King will address Congress – just the second time a British monarch has done so. Queen Elizabeth last had the honour in 1991.

The King and Queen will experience American pomp and ceremony at a state dinner inside the White House on Tuesday evening before they fly to New York where Their Majesties will mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attack.

They will later attend a street party in Virginia before the King travels solo to Bermuda.

For the 77-year-old monarch, a lot is resting on his shoulders.

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