Tensions in the storied U.S.-UK special relationship are mounting as King Charles III and Queen Camilla prepare for a state visit to Washington later this month. President Donald Trump has warned he could tear up the trade deal that Britain secured a year ago, casting doubt over the trip’s diplomatic prospects.
The agreement, struck in May 2025, granted the UK a favourable 10 per cent baseline tariff on U.S. imports and reflected Trump’s personal affinity for the country of his mother’s birth. Yet relations have deteriorated amid Trump’s tariff policies, his threats against Greenland and the escalating conflict with Iran, which have strained NATO bonds.
Trump has accused alliance partners, including Britain, of failing to support military efforts against Iran, criticising the UK’s defence capabilities, policies and loyalty. In a recent Sky News interview, he said “We gave them a good trade deal. Better than I had to. Which can always be changed. But we gave them a trade deal that was very good because they’re having a lot of problems.” He added that while he likes Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the special relationship had “been better.”
“It’s sad,” Trump said.
On Truth Social, he lamented Britain’s absence when aid was sought, needed or even unnecessary. Trump praised the King as “a wonderful person,” a “friend” he greatly respects, though such visits follow UK government guidance.
Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have ruled out being dragged into the Iran war, a position shared across Europe. Starmer told MPs he is not going to yield to U.S. pressure. Reeves, speaking at CNBC’s Invest in America forum, said “I’m not convinced this conflict has made the world a safer place.” She called it “a mistake” with unclear aims.
The war has spiked energy prices, hitting the oil-importing UK hard and derailing hopes for economic recovery. Reeves prioritises de-escalation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that “first and foremost in my mind are families and businesses in the U.K. who are having to deal with higher prices, higher borrowing costs today because of this conflict.”
Buckingham Palace sees the visit as a chance to reaffirm ties amid global challenges. “This visit is a moment to reaffirm and renew our bilateral ties as we address those challenges together, in the UK’s national interest,” a spokesman said.