The meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, although not attended by King Charles III, was influenced by the royal invitation for a state visit. Starmer presented Trump's invitation, creating a relaxed but less consequential atmosphere. Significantly, Trump is the first modern elected leader to receive two state visits to the UK. Starmer's gestures underscore the unusual use of monarchy in contemporary diplomacy, acknowledging Trump's admiration for the royal family since his prior state visit in 2019.
From the moment Mr. Starmer pulled an embossed letter from his breast pocket and handed it to Mr. Trump, the much-anticipated encounter between these two leaders relaxed into something friendlier, but also somehow less momentous.
Mr. Trump is the first elected leader in the modern era to be honored with two state visits to Britain. This is really special, Mr. Starmer told the assembled press corps.
Never has an elected British leader deployed the monarchy so transparently to win the favor of another head of state.
Mr. Trump has lately taken to referring to himself in royal terms: LONG LIVE THE KING! he posted on social media, after moving to kill New York City's congestion pricing program.
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