If 2024 was marked by health setbacks and personal challenges for the Royal Family, 2025 became the year when Britain’s monarchy emerged as a key soft power tool, navigating tricky international waters.
At the center of much of this diplomacy? Donald Trump.
Trump’s Genuine Affection for the Royal Family
Donald Trump’s admiration for the Royals was clear from the start.
During his first presidential visit to the UK in 2018, a primary motivation was explicitly to meet the Queen.
Jeremy Hunt, then British Foreign Secretary, revealed that Trump had been very clear: if a tea with the Queen was on the table, he would make the trip.
The Queen graciously welcomed him to Windsor, and the visit reportedly went beyond ceremonial pleasantries.
Debunking the ‘Rude to the Queen’ Narrative
Despite media claims that Trump had been disrespectful—arriving late and walking ahead of the Queen during the Guard of Honour—those present at Windsor insist he conducted himself correctly.
Palace staff explained that the Queen herself arrived early to inspect the dais and that Trump was following proper protocol.
According to insiders, the media frenzy over his supposed faux pas was unfounded.
A Real Connection Over Tea
During the Windsor tea, Trump and the Queen reportedly had genuine rapport.
With shared Scottish heritage and significant land holdings in Scotland, the two leaders engaged in substantive conversation.
Observers noted Trump’s charm and energy, particularly compared to later visits from other presidents.
The tea session, scheduled for 20 minutes, extended to 40, setting the stage for smoother interactions during his official State Visit the following year.
Trump’s Enduring Fondness for the Royals
Years later, Trump reflected fondly on his first presidency, flipping through photos of himself with the Queen and Royal Family.
He described the experiences as historic and maintained high regard for the late monarch, the Prince of Wales, and Queen Camilla.
King Charles III and the New US Administration
With a new British government in 2025, the monarchy became central to strengthening ties with Washington under a new US administration.
Early interactions, including pre-inauguration meetings in Paris, demonstrated Trump’s appreciation for continuity and his willingness to accommodate diplomatic schedules, even amid travel delays caused by Storm Darragh.
The Oval Office Letter Spectacle
Shortly after Trump’s inauguration, Sir Keir Starmer presented a letter from King Charles III in the Oval Office, inviting the president to a second State Visit.
Trump’s curiosity and respect for royal protocol shone as he read the letter in front of cameras, confirming his acceptance on the spot.
While some Palace observers were uneasy with the public nature of the moment, it signaled a promising start to UK-US relations.
Balancing Diplomacy Across Multiple Nations
The King’s visit to Canada highlighted the unique challenges of a monarch serving multiple nations.
Trump’s past rhetoric about Canada potentially becoming the ‘51st state’ added tension, but Charles III navigated these waters carefully.
His speech in the Canadian Parliament was both statesmanlike and assertive, reinforcing Canadian sovereignty while maintaining broader diplomatic balance.
The Monarchy’s Relevance in Modern Diplomacy
Throughout these events, from Windsor to Ottawa, the Royal Family proved its enduring value as a soft power asset.
Whether fostering ties with US presidents or strengthening Commonwealth relationships, the monarchy continues to play a crucial role in international diplomacy, with careful navigation by Charles III ensuring relevance in an ever-changing political landscape.
A Legacy of Skillful Diplomatic Engagement
While modern monarchs are bound by constitutional conventions, 2025 showed that personal diplomacy and careful attention to protocol can amplify national influence.
From Trump’s admiration to managing relations with Canada, the Royal Family’s role as a bridge between nations remains both visible and indispensable.
