King Charles III and Queen Camilla could face a potential snub in favor of the Prince and Princess of Wales, as talk intensifies around a possible U.S. state visit. President Donald Trump, 78, is reportedly considering inviting royal family members to Washington for what would be an unprecedented second American state visit from British royals. While it remains unclear which family members will be called upon, multiple royal commentators suggest that Prince William, 42, and Princess Kate, 41, might be favored over the reigning monarch and his wife.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzgerald told GB News: "I do think the US would do something with the royals that could involve Charles and Camilla, but it could also involve the Prince and Princess of Wales going to the United States." He added, "A second state visit is something that has never happened before." There is speculation that this prospective event could coincide with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's rumored talks in Washington, where an invitation for a follow-up visit from Trump may emerge.
Observers point out that King Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer last year, has relied increasingly on Prince William for diplomatic engagements. Prince William's December visit to Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral included a meeting with Trump, who later declared: "He's a good man" and "doing a fantastic job." That encounter, said to have gone "really well," has further fueled speculation that William will play a starring role in any future U.S.-U.K. discussions.
A source cited by Hello! explained, "Kate and William could be the power duo to save the so-called special relationship [between the U.K. and the U.S.] and be instrumental in smoothing ties between the two nations." The same insider added, "William has certainly sparked a connection with Trump that will be instrumental for the future, especially when William and Kate eventually become King and Queen." Along these lines, rumors swirl that the President may invite the royal couple to Washington as early as next year.
"President Trump very much enjoyed meeting Prince William in France," a source told the Mail. "He was wowed by William and thinks he's a great guy. He will officially invite both the Prince and Princess of Wales to visit Washington but understands if the Princess of Wales' health issues prevent her from coming." The mention of Princess Kate's well-being reportedly factored into the scheduling discussions, although no official comment from the Palace has confirmed her status.
Richard Fitzwilliams, another noted royal commentator, believes the monarchy holds significant appeal for Trump. "Something with the Royal Family could happen as that would appeal to Trump but it is early days," he told GB News. "We don't know what exactly is being planned." He also observed that no U.S. president has ever made two separate state visits to the United Kingdom-an indication of how unusual these unfolding plans may be.
In the event Trump does travel to Britain, the new King would typically act as host at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. However, some insiders expect William and Kate will be "called upon to step up in what may prove to be the most crucial use of royal soft power for a generation," according to Hello!. The publication also notes that King Charles is considered "a master diplomat," but that William's success in Paris demonstrates a growing capacity to handle sensitive international relationships.
CNN anchor Max Foster told Hello!: "Trump was really impressed by the prince," crediting William's poise during their Paris meeting. "It's the pomp and pageantry that Trump loves, so a visit to the U.K. would require the King and Queen [Camilla] and the Prince and Princess of Wales to put on a full-force welcome," Foster said. He described the upcoming challenges as "a big test for the royals," noting, "He loves some of their stardust rubbing off on him, and it's vitally important that the most is made of these relationships."
