By Sarah Young
LONDON, March 9 (Reuters) – A planned visit by King Charles to the United States should be cancelled after President Donald Trump repeatedly insulted Britain, the leader of the country’s third-biggest party in parliament said on Monday.
Trump has repeatedly criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer after London initially blocked the U.S. from using British bases to attack Iran, saying he was “not Winston Churchill” and that Starmer had helped to “ruin” the so-called Special Relationship between the two countries.
That followed Trump’s comments in January that European troops had stayed off the front lines in Afghanistan, drawing a rare rebuke from Starmer who described them as “frankly appalling” and insulting to the families of the 457 British service personnel who died in that war.
Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, said Starmer should avoid putting the king, Britain’s ceremonial head of state, in the centre of a “highly political situation” with an April visit.
“A state visit from our king would be seen as yet another huge diplomatic coup for President Trump, so it should not be given to someone who repeatedly insults and damages our country,” Davey told LBC Radio, citing Trump’s recent comments and his “reckless” war in Iran.
In Britain, the government advises the monarch on his relations with foreign leaders. The Starmer government has not been slow to harness the soft power of the royal family to help smooth relations with Trump over the last year.
Charles hosted Trump for an unprecedented second state visit to Britain last September, treating him to a carriage ride and state banquet at Windsor Castle.
Heir-to-the-throne Prince William is also due to visit the U.S. in the summer during the soccer World Cup.
Davey said that while it was clear Trump liked the royal family, he did not appear to treat Britain any better as a result, referring to his tariff policy.
Asked about Davey’s remarks, senior minister Steve Reed said the king did a remarkable job of representing Britain abroad and it was not for him or Davey to comment on the arrangements.
Buckingham Palace does not comment on official trips before they have been confirmed.
(Reporting by Sarah Young; additional reporting by Sam Tabahrity; editing by Gareth Jones)
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