Influencing Trump's decisions may hinge on King Charles for Ukraine.
The upcoming state visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to Windsor Castle marks a historic first – the first time a U.S. president is formally welcomed to the castle. This visit, scheduled for an undisclosed date, is set to be a grand affair, complete with pomp and pageantry, banqueting, honor escorts, and a ceremonial flypast.
Accompanying President Trump on this trip are Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff, providing an opportunity to influence his top diplomats. The visit offers a unique platform to discuss pressing global issues, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The king of England, Charles III, has shown unwavering support for Ukraine. In a message of solidarity, he called for a 'just and lasting peace' in Ukraine last month to mark the country's independence day. His support for President Zelenskyy is seen as a significant advantage for the Ukrainian leader, who has faced criticism from President Trump.
Charles has previously welcomed President Zelenskyy for tea at Sandringham and for lunch at Windsor Castle. The king's diplomacy regarding Ukraine is likely to take place behind closed doors, away from the public eye.
Torrey Taussig, director of the Transatlantic Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council think tank, noted that Trump's muted response to the Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace does not give Prime Minister Keir Starmer much room to maneuver. However, Taussig added that while Trump's affinity for the royals 'may lend weight' to an appeal from the king on Ukraine, she was 'unconvinced' the president would change course.
Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine program at Chatham House, stated that the king's show of support sends a message of solidarity and a reminder of who is the victim and who is the aggressor. The king may nod to Ukraine during his speech at the state banquet, as he did during French leader Emmanuel Macron's recent visit.
Insiders have reported that both Rubio and Vance had become increasingly engaged with Kyiv's point of view during Vice President JD Vance's visit to the U.K. in the summer. The aim of the visit is to lay the groundwork for discussions between Prime Minister Starmer and President Trump regarding pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin for peace in Ukraine.
While there is no information available indicating that any government official is holding secret talks with King Charles to encourage President Trump to support Ukraine more strongly, the king's diplomacy is expected to play a crucial role in influencing President Trump's stance on the issue.
Annabelle Dickson contributed to this report.
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