US has ‘no closer friend’ than Britain, Trump says as he welcomes Charles
President Donald Trump welcomed King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the White House, praising the US-UK 'special relationship' and calling Britain America's closest friend. The ceremonial event, held in rainy conditions, included a military welcome and bilateral meeting, ahead of Charles addressing a joint session of Congress. The visit occurs amid diplomatic tensions, including Trump's criticism of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over Iran policy. A leaked remark from the British ambassador suggesting the US 'special relationship' is with Israel added underlying strain to the diplomacy-laden occasion.
- ▪President Trump called Britain the US's 'no closer friend' during a White House welcome ceremony for King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
- ▪British ambassador Christian Turner reportedly told students the US 'special relationship' is actually with Israel, comments that emerged just before the royal visit.
- ▪King Charles became the second British monarch, and first king, to address a joint session of the US Congress.
- ▪The ambassador also commented on the limited fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal in the US compared to the UK, where it impacted Starmer's government.
- ▪As gifts, King Charles presented plans for the Resolute Desk, while Trump gave a facsimile of a 1785 letter by John Adams.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.
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