Donald Trump has expressed his belief that King Charles would have backed him over the conflict in Iran, drawing a pointed contrast with Sir Keir Starmer’s position.
The US President indicated that the monarch would have adopted a “different stand” compared to the Prime Minister.
“I like him. I always liked him as a prince. He’s a good man, a great representative for your country,” President Trump stated when discussing the King’s forthcoming state visit to America.
“I think he would have taken a very different stand [on the war in Iran], but he doesn’t do that. I mean, he’s a great gentleman.”
Donald Trump declares King Charles would have defied Keir Starmer over Iran and ‘stood by me’
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These remarks are likely to be interpreted as an indirect rebuke of the Prime Minister, who has frustrated President Trump by declining to participate in US military operations against Iran.
The US President described the King as “a friend of mine” and “a wonderful and brave man,” emphasising their longstanding acquaintance.
“I have a great relationship with King Charles, I’ve known him a long time,” Mr Trump continued to tell The Telegraph. “He’s been through a lot, in many ways.”
According to a diplomatic source, the two leaders maintain regular correspondence, frequently exchanging letters with one another.
Mr and Mrs Trump with Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria Starmer | REUTERS
President Trump was careful to distance the monarch from the current diplomatic rift between Washington and London, stating that the King had “nothing to do with this” breakdown in relations.
While the sovereign technically possesses the royal prerogative to declare war, constitutional convention prevents the monarch from engaging in political matters.
The Prime Minister has faced near-constant criticism from President Trump since refusing to permit American forces to use Diego Garcia for strikes against Iran.
The joint British-US military base in the Indian Ocean was blocked by Sir Keir from being utilised in the US President’s campaign.
Queen Camilla, King Charles, Donald Trump and Melania Trump pictured in September 2025 | GETTY
Additionally, the Prime Minister declined requests to deploy Royal Navy vessels to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
These decisions have prompted what amounts to daily attacks from the US President against Sir Keir.
The King and the US President were not believed to have been in contact during the weeks preceding Mr Trump’s public criticism of the Prime Minister’s failure to support American military efforts.
In the same interview, President Trump also disclosed that he was contemplating a withdrawal from Nato.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pictured with King Charles
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PAThe forthcoming State Visit to Washington represents a chance to reset the broader relationship between Britain and the United States, with the King assuming heightened political significance compared to his mother’s reign.
British diplomats stationed in the American capital are hopeful that the monarch can deploy his soft power to mend the damaged special relationship.
A complete schedule for the trip has yet to be revealed, though confirmed elements include a state dinner hosted at the White House and an address before Congress.
The King and Queen are also widely anticipated to travel to New York during their visit.
His Majesty will subsequently undertake a solo trip to Bermuda, marking his first visit to a British Overseas Territory as sovereign and the first by a reigning King to the island.