When Prime Minister Kiel Starmer met President Trump in the Oval Office back in February, the atmosphere was charged. It was clear that his background as a progressive lawyer didn’t quite align with Trump’s more bombastic style. However, both were aware that the future of their so-called “special relationship” was at stake, and, frankly, the UK had a lot riding on this.
Starmer had something up his sleeve. With Trump’s characteristic openness, he presented a letter from King Charles III.
“This is a letter from the king,” Starmer stated, “inviting you to my second state visit. It’s quite special. Never been done before.”
It was a bit theatrical, perhaps even a touch cheesy, but it worked. Trump seemed pleased, replying, “The answer is yes. Your country is wonderful.”
In London, reactions to Trump’s warm embrace of this gesture were mixed. The meeting had the potential for all sorts of pitfalls, but Starmer’s overture seemed to resonate. The state visit is scheduled for September 17th to 19th.
It’s worth noting that saying this second state visit “has never been made” isn’t entirely accurate. Sure, Trump may be the first U.S. president to be invited twice, but French President Raymond Poincaré had visits in 1913 and 1919. Still, there was enough truth to make Starmer’s assertion seem believable—especially since Trump has an affinity for breaking new ground.
The British monarchy epitomizes soft power. Lately, there’s been a trend to highlight irony in diplomatic relations, juxtaposing stark geopolitical realities with a more nuanced vision. This aligns with political theorist John Mearsheimer’s perspective that the U.S. and NATO share in the blame for the war in Ukraine.
This harsh, realist viewpoint often downplays soft power since it’s hard to quantify and doesn’t fit into a framework that sees states acting solely in self-interest. Scholars question why leaders would persuade unless it serves their interests?
But both Trump and Starmer, like the rest of us, are driven by a mix of emotion and calculations. Trump’s UK visit highlights this complexity. Politically, he may not gain much, nor does he see it as a validation of his position. Oddly, he seems drawn to the royal family.
There’s an evident fascination with the monarchy’s legacy. Many New Yorkers, including Trump, have ancestral ties to other countries, making the age and tradition of the monarchy seemingly attractive. King Charles III’s lineage stretches back to the early Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Unlike the allure of raw power that attracts leaders like Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping, the monarchy embodies something different for him.
While Trump did seem to respect the late Queen Elizabeth II, he seems to regard King Charles with appreciation despite their differing viewpoints. As he noted in a social media post regarding the coronation, “Good luck and best wishes for the wonderful new king and queen of Britain. You two are special people. May your reign be long and glorious. God bless you both!”
It’s also interesting to consider Trump’s own Scottish ancestry, through his mother, Mary MacLeod, who grew up in a Gaelic-speaking community on the Isle of Lewis.
The British monarchy has a unique ability to evoke warmth and respect. There’s something captivating about it, evoking a sense of unity, with global leaders often seeking a moment with the king and queen. While “hard power” isn’t won through tea parties or banquets, Trump has mingled with various global leaders over the years.
If a three-day royal visit can strengthen the “special relationship,” there’s more than meets the eye. Monarchy serves as a quintessential example of soft power—difficult to quantify but certainly impactful.
It’s a vital asset in the UK’s foreign policy toolkit, capable of shifting perceptions and fostering or mending international friendships. While it’s tough to pinpoint exactly how this soft power operates, its effects will be visible when the President and First Lady visit Windsor Castle.
