Britain's Labour government is tapping royal influence and diplomatic tact to navigate its high-stakes relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, aiming to protect its economic and political goals amid rising tensions.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May's Labour administration is banking on the support of the royal family and a former spin doctor nicknamed the "Prince of Darkness" to maintain positive relations with US President Donald Trump.
Trump owns two golf properties in Scotland, the ancestral home of his mother, and there have been rumors of a second state visit to the UK, all of which might contribute to the maintenance of strong relations, according to analysts.
"He's liable to be buttered up, right?" According to Steven Fielding, a professor of politics at the University of Nottingham, "So anything you can throw at him (will help)".
The next four years are going to be quite a roller coaster for the US-UK "special relationship" due to a number of factors, including the war between Russia and Ukraine, potential trade tariffs, disagreements over climate change, and China.
The overall goal of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's premiership-to revive Britain's flagging economy in the wake of Brexit and the COVID pandemic-is jeopardized by Trump's erratic behavior.
Not to mention the fact that prominent Labour members have already made nasty remarks about Trump, and that Trump buddy and the wealthiest man in the world, Elon Musk, has just verbally attacked Starmer.
Now the British are going all out to win Trump over, with Monday's announcement from Buckingham Palace that King Charles III personally congratulated Trump on his second inauguration serving as a highlight.
It is well-known that Trump has a soft spot for the royal family. Last month, Prince William, who is the rightful heir to the throne, was sent to Paris to meet with Trump at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral.
"A good man, this one!" Trump complimented William, saying, "He's doing a fantastic job" while the prince chuckled.
Senior royals are reportedly being prepared to visit the US to improve relations with Trump, according to this week's Times report.
In 2026, when the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of its declaration of independence, it may happen.
In 2019, during their previous state visit to the United States, Trump and Melania were hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II. The British government may be enticed to host another state visit by Trump and Melania.
As previously reported, Trump's son Eric will accompany his golf-mad father to Scotland this summer to celebrate the grand inauguration of a new course at the Trump club, which is located close to Aberdeen in the northeastern region of the country.
Trump's mom, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born on the island of Lewis in Scotland's northwest.
Peter Mandelson is anticipated to play a pivotal role in ensuring cordial relations with the Trump administration.
During Tony Blair's tenure as prime minister in the 1980s, his work as director of communications for the Labour party was important in the party's three-term winning streak.
Although Trump must still authorize the appointment-and rumors suggest he may oppose it-the British government has nominated him to be the country's next ambassador to the United States.
With his stellar reputation for persuasion and extensive background as a trade commissioner for Europe, Mandelson would be an asset to the Trump administration in Washington.
An advisor to Mandelson during Labour's last administration, Patrick Diamond, told AFP that Trump recognizes Mandelson's prominence in British politics and appreciates his authority.
in the middle-left In the past few months, Labour has been attempting to mend fences with the US Republican's camp.
Officials have lavished Trump with praise in an effort to make up for their earlier derogatory remarks.
Recalling a dinner he and Starmer had with Trump in New York in September, Foreign Secretary David Lammy-who previously referred to Trump as a despot in a toupee-praised his extraordinary grace this week.
Think tank director Evie Aspinall of the British Foreign Policy Group believes that tactically they must (take a step back) because to Trump's lack of forgiveness.
Since Trump's Monday return to the White House, the British government has been exceedingly cautious not to condemn his initial actions.
The official spokesman for Starmer declined to denounce Trump's choice to pull the United States out of the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization, two organizations that the United Kingdom backs.
How much longer the British administration can keep mum is anyone's guess.
Fielding made the observation that it will likely face a great deal of demeaning criticism.
According to what Aspinall told AFP, people will simply hold their tongues. We shall maintain a positive and cooperative front at all times, she says, even if they try to convince us through diplomatic channels.
According to Fielding, the British government ought to highlight the win-win nature of US-UK collaboration.
He advised that it present its case in the most straightforward and commercial way feasible.
