The British royal family could soon visit the United States. As the British newspaper “The Times” reports, Downing Street (the official residence of the British Prime Minister) plans to send high-ranking royals to the USA in 2026. The visit is intended to strengthen the special relationship between the two countries.
A key factor in the planning is apparently Donald Trump’s (78) preference for the British royal family. “Donald Trump has a clear affinity for the royal family. He had a great relationship with the late Queen, recently met Prince William and has spoken very positively about King Charles,” the newspaper quoted a senior government source as saying. A royal tour of the USA would therefore help to strengthen the “special relationship” between the two countries.
250 years of American independence
The possible state visit could coincide with celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence. Festivities for this special anniversary begin on Memorial Day this year and culminate on July 4, 2026.
“Emphasizing his pro-monarchist leanings is one of several important ways we can exercise our soft power,” another source told the Times. The 2026 World Cup, which the United States is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada, could also provide an opportunity for royal engagement. The football-loving Prince William (42) in particular could travel to the States on this occasion.
Trump and the Prince of Wales last met at the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on December 7th. King Charles III (76) also congratulated the former US president on his second inauguration on January 20th – a sign of the ongoing special relationship between the two countries.
Preliminary plans
As the US magazine “People” learned, visits by Trump to Great Britain or high-ranking royals to the USA are an option, but concrete plans are not yet on the calendar. Foreign heads of state are invited to the King at the advice and request of the British government through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which also organizes trips abroad.
In addition to Charles, William and his wife Princess Kate (43), the “high-ranking royals” who could be sent include Charles’ wife Queen Camilla (77), Charles’ sister Princess Royal Anne (74), Charles’ brother Prince Edward (60) and his wife Sophie (60).
