"US President Donald Trump is going to be greeted with a spectacular royal charm offensive during his state visit this week. The aim will be to dazzle and flatter him with the ultimate red-carpet experience, with guards of honour, flypasts, historic carriages, a lavish banquet, pomp and pageantry. In return, Sir Keir Starmer will be hoping this gilt-edged reception will help to deliver the UK's message on awkward issues such as Ukraine and trade tariffs."
"Trump loves the monarchy and the Royal Family. It's a potential diplomatic ace card for the UK government," says Anna Whitelock, professor of history of the modern monarchy at City St George's, University of London. This attraction to royalty will give the King a "rare advantage" in dealing with Trump, who usually expects to have the upper hand, says Prof Whitelock. Sir Anthony Seldon, biographer of the UK's prime ministers, agrees. The King can benefit from Trump's "palpable enthusiasm" for the royals, he says."
The state visit will present a spectacular royal charm offensive featuring guards of honour, flypasts, historic carriages, a lavish banquet, pomp and pageantry. The reception aims to dazzle President Trump and create a feelgood factor to support UK messaging on sensitive issues such as Ukraine and trade tariffs. Trump's admiration for the monarchy offers King Charles a rare diplomatic advantage in personal interactions. The King faces a delicate balance given differing views on the environment, democracy and the rule of law, and will remain scrupulously correct while sticking to the government's script. The visit schedule is tightly packed into a day and a half with most engagements centred on royal events.
Read at www.bbc.com
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