Trump‘s UK Visit to Blend Pageantry with Political Objectives
LONDON – Former President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the United Kingdom is set to be a carefully orchestrated blend of royal tradition and strategic political maneuvering, according to royal correspondent Jack Royston. The visit, centered around a summit with king Charles, will navigate a complex landscape of protocol and potential diplomatic challenges.
Royston, chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, explained that the pomp and pageantry surrounding the visit are not merely ceremonial. “Part of the point – you no, in some ways, the whole point – of this stuff is the tradition,” he said. He noted the strict rules governing royal engagements, even playfully pointing out that tiaras are traditionally reserved for married women.
However, Royston emphasized the visit’s underlying purpose: to lay the groundwork for future British political and economic objectives. “This is Operation Warm Up Trump so that Keir Starmer and…the prime minister, the British political class can then do their magic,” he stated. The royal family’s role, he explained, is to foster a positive relationship with Trump, preparing him for subsequent lobbying efforts on issues like trade and climate change.
Despite the potential for substantive discussions, Royston cautioned that King Charles must tread carefully. “This is very dangerous waters for Charles,” he said, noting Trump’s unpredictable nature. “Anything Charles says to him,he could repeat at a press conference…there could be a huddle on the tarmac…and Trump could start waxing lyrical about everything Charles said to him over dinner.”
The visit also comes with a history of minor diplomatic incidents. Kelly noted a previous instance where Trump briefly stepped in front of then-Queen Elizabeth, a potential etiquette breach. However, royston downplayed the significance of such incidents, asserting that both the royals and the U.S. president are focused on a triumphant outcome.
