King Charles' smart move with Donald Trump exposed as British monarch works 'main asset'

 

King Charles recently extended an invitation to Donald Trump for a second state visit to the UK, and just days later, he hosted Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky at his residence in Sandringham. According to one royal expert, this demonstrates the power of diplomatic "soft power."

Trump and Zelensky previously clashed in a heated Oval Office meeting, so Charles' decision to welcome the Ukrainian leader so soon after inviting Trump might appear to signal favoritism. However, royal expert Pauline Maclaran, a professor at Royal Holloway, University of London, insists this is not the case. Instead, she explains that the monarch is carefully maintaining neutrality by treating both leaders equally, as is expected of him.

"This is a prime example of the royals' soft power, one of their key assets in modern times," Maclaran said. "Meeting with the King remains a status marker, allowing the government to impress guests with Britain's long-standing traditions while also signaling the esteem in which they are held."

Talk of a second UK state visit for Trump had circulated since January, but on Thursday, it was officially confirmed when Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer personally delivered a letter from King Charles to the former U.S. president.

"I thought this was an excellent use of Britain's soft power," Maclaran said. "It's well known that Trump holds the royal family in high regard, so this was a smart move to make him feel respected—something very important to him."

She added that Trump appeared pleased with the invitation and how it was presented. "It was particularly effective for the prime minister to hand him a physical letter, making the invitation a tangible gesture—something he could display. He was clearly eager to show it to the cameras."

Maclaran emphasized the diplomatic significance of the visit, noting that staying with the King at Balmoral is a rare honor. "This invitation highlights the 'special relationship' between the UK and the US, reinforcing strong ties between the two nations."