In a remarkable diplomatic episode, King Charles III is reported to have played a pivotal role in persuading former US President Donald Trump to retract disparaging comments about British military personnel in Afghanistan. The intervention, conducted through discreet back channels, underscores the enduring, if sometimes strained, 'Special Relationship' between the two nations.
A Swift Reversal Following Royal Outreach
Over the weekend, Donald Trump ignited fury among veterans by asserting that the United States 'never needed' UK troops and that British forces in Afghanistan 'stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines.' The remarks were widely condemned as disrespectful to the sacrifice of service members.
However, within just forty-eight hours, Trump performed a stark about-face. In a new social media post, he lauded UK troops as 'among the greatest of all warriors.' A source revealed to The Sun that this reversal came after King Charles personally reached out to Trump. The monarch reportedly made it 'very clear' that his concern was over the hurt caused by the comments, whether they were inadvertent or not.
Political Diplomacy in Tandem
The royal intervention was complemented by political engagement. A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Trump by phone shortly before the apologetic post was published. During their conversation, Starmer emphasised the bravery and heroism of British and American soldiers who fought side-by-side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home, stressing that their sacrifice must never be forgotten.
Trump's subsequent clarification sought to reinforce the transatlantic bond. He stated, 'It's a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK Military, with tremendous Heart and Soul, is second to none (except for the USA!). We love you all, and always will!'
The King as a Potential 'Secret Weapon'
This incident occurs just days after a royal expert suggested to Metro that King Charles could be the UK's 'secret weapon' in placating the often-unpredictable former president. Expert Duncan Larcombe noted Trump's well-documented infatuation with the Royal Family, which he attributes to Trump's mother's Scottish roots and his own business interests in the UK.
'For Trump, the 'Special Relationship' is something he holds quite dear. But Trump will be Trump,' Larcombe observed. He suggested that during the King's scheduled visit to the United States in April—a trip some have argued should be cancelled due to Trump's tariff threats—it would fall to Charles to 'test the waters' personally.
A Unique Diplomatic Channel
Larcombe elaborated on the potential influence of the monarchy in this context. 'If they end up having a full and frank conversation, who knows what Charles might say? The King doesn't have the same power his mother had. But with a president who is so friendly toward Britain and the Royal Family, there is every chance Donald Trump might listen to him,' he added.
This episode highlights the multifaceted nature of international diplomacy, where formal state channels are occasionally supplemented by unique, personal outreach. The swift resolution demonstrates how historical ties and personal rapport can sometimes mitigate diplomatic friction, even on sensitive issues of national pride and military honour.
