UK Tempers Hopes of US Reset Despite King’s Royal Charm-Fest

US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, King Charles III and Queen Camilla during an arrival ceremony at the White House, on April 28.

Photographer: Henry Nicholls/AFP/Getty Images

King Charles III left Washington with the same goodwill from Donald Trump that greeted him when he arrived three days earlier as the president hailed him as “the greatest king,” adding “we need more people like that in our country.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer was likely pleased his gamble of sending the apolitical monarch into the politically charged White House had paid off, but the warmth between the US and UK may not last. UK officials privately expressed skepticism the trip would ease Trump’s disdain for Starmer, even as they celebrated what appeared to be a successful visit.