King Charles III faces mounting concerns about President Donald Trump’s upcoming state visit to the United Kingdom in September, with palace sources expressing worry that the American leader may launch into inflammatory rhetoric about immigration during official ceremonies. The apprehension follows Trump’s recent comments during his visit to Scotland, where he described migration as a “horrible invasion” that is “killing Europe.”
During his arrival at Glasgow Airport on Friday, July 25, Trump warned British officials about immigration issues, telling reporters on the tarmac that Europe must “stop this horrible invasion that is happening to Europe, many countries in Europe.” The President added that some leaders have successfully prevented such migration but are not receiving proper recognition for their efforts.
A friend of the monarch revealed to The Daily Beast that Charles has spent his entire life promoting tolerance and compassion. The source indicated the King will be appalled by Trump’s Friday statements, which appear entirely driven by his domestic agenda, and expressed significant concern about the possibility of similar outbursts during the September visit.
Civil servants have issued warnings that Trump may violate royal protocol by making politicized comments during his state visit. Foreign visitors meeting the King typically receive advisement that he remains constitutionally apolitical and should avoid involving him in political controversy. However, one civil servant noted that Trump does not feel bound by conventional rules.
The President is scheduled to deliver a traditional speech at the state banquet held in his honor by the King and Queen. These addresses typically represent ceremonial diplomacy of the highest order, honoring relationships between nations. Palace officials hope Trump’s professed respect for the British royal family will prevent inflammatory remarks.
Royal aides express particular concern about Trump’s tendency to provide impromptu media interviews featuring political statements. A source close to the King indicated that if Trump begins denouncing immigration to cameras while standing beside the monarch, Charles would find such a situation difficult to tolerate.
The concerns have intensified given the current immigration climate in the United Kingdom. Record numbers of undocumented immigrants have arrived on British shores this year via small boats, creating increasingly bitter divisions and public protests. Hotels housing migrants have experienced violent demonstrations, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage warning that Britain approaches “civil disobedience on a vast scale” over the issue.
Trump’s state visit arrangement came after he declined the King’s initial invitation for an informal visit to Balmoral. The President made clear his preference for a full state visit first, which would not be overshadowed by an informal meeting. Trump controversially displayed the King’s private invitation letter to cameras, representing a significant breach of royal protocol.
Palace officials previously raised concerns about Trump’s statements regarding Canada becoming the 51st American state. As head of state of Canada, King Charles’ sovereignty was being impugned by such remarks, which palace sources cited as reason for proceeding cautiously with visit arrangements.
The upcoming visit presents additional challenges due to the King’s ongoing health concerns. Sources indicate Charles has been left exhausted by his cancer treatment and demanding work schedule, which he refuses to compromise. Queen Camilla and close friends worry he is pushing himself too hard, though the King remains energized by his royal duties.
During Trump’s Scotland visit, he also met with First Minister John Swinney for discussions lasting 15 to 20 minutes at his Balmedie Estate. Topics reportedly included whisky tariffs and the situation in Gaza. Trump opened his new golf course at his Aberdeenshire resort, describing his connection to Scotland through his late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, who was born on the Isle of Lewis.
Civil servants acknowledge that risks of Trump making unscripted media comments during the state visit have been “priced in” to planning considerations. Parliament will not be sitting during the visit, preventing any inflammatory speeches to Members of Parliament. However, the traditional banquet speech and potential impromptu media interactions remain sources of concern for palace officials managing the delicate diplomatic occasion.
