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First modification: 04/29/2026 - 18:53
In the midst of recent tensions between two historical allies, the visit of Charles III to Washington tests the weight of diplomacy and royal symbolism in the midst of the discussion on military cooperation in the Middle East. In an international scenario marked by growing geopolitical tensions, the question arises: can diplomatic gestures smooth out friction between the United States and the United Kingdom? We analyze it with experts in El Debate de France 24.
The visit coincides with a public rift between President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer following the British government's initial refusal to allow the use of its military bases in the Middle East for US operations against Iran.
Faced with this scenario, the monarch seeks to play a role as an institutional mediator, although limited by his constitutional role that prevents him from intervening directly in the political decisions of the British Government.
Read alsoCarlos III arrives in the US despite the shooting in Washington and at a low moment in relations
In El Debate de France 24 we ask ourselves: Will diplomacy make it possible to calm the friction between the United States and the United Kingdom?
Diplomat and international analyst Mookie Tenembaum, an expert on relations between the United States and Europe, points out that Washington expects greater support from its main European ally and NATO, but that it feels “disappointed” by the position of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European actors. In this context, it describes a climate of tension in which even sensitive issues such as the Malvinas unexpectedly reappear in the debate.
As he explains, the tone among the allies has hardened, although he believes that the visit of the British monarch could provide an element of “soft power” capable of helping to reduce friction. Even so, he warns: “Trump's memory on these issues is long and I believe that the lowest point of this relationship has not yet been seen.”
Read alsoCarlos III appeals for unity in his speech before the US Congress, amid tensions over Iran
For his part, international analyst and professor at the University of Sheffield, Dr. Álvaro Martínez-Pérez, raises doubts about the real impact that the visit of King Charles III may have on the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
He points out that, even during a four-day trip, it cannot be ruled out that President Donald Trump makes some “extemporaneous statement” that complicates the diplomatic climate.
In that sense, he considers that the British monarch could contribute to improving the bilateral environment, although he warns that, given the character of the American president, "we cannot exclude that there is some statement that does not help improve the relationship."
During the program, analysts address the mainly media scope of the visit of King Charles III, as well as its geopolitical reading in a context of tensions between historical allies. They highlight the economic background of the bilateral relationship and the interests at stake in an international scenario marked by instability in the Middle East.
They accompany us in the analysis:
Dr. Álvaro Martínez-Pérez, international analyst and professor at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom.
Mookie Tenembaum, diplomat and international analyst, expert in relations between the United States and Europe.
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