The NY Times on the flashy visit:
And yet, on the first full day of a state visit focused on the shared history between the United States and Britain, the king sprinkled in some ever-so-subtle rebuttals to Mr. Trump. Charles spoke on Tuesday of the value of the trans-Atlantic alliance, the importance of checks and balances and his passion for the environment. He even spoke of his time in the Royal Navy, after Mr. Trump belittled British naval capabilities in recent weeks.
The king tucked his rejoinders into a mostly lighthearted speech to Congress on Tuesday afternoon and during evening remarks at a formal banquet at the White House.
What the Times neglects to mention is that the king says what the government tells him to say. He’s not there to chat about himself and his views, and he’s not free to say whatever he likes. We Yanks tend to forget this, because US presidents combine the ceremonial and the governing jobs into one office, which Trump’s presidency has revealed to be a very risky way to do things. Charles has no power to override or ignore Parliament, while the current PM does get to tell him what he can and can’t say.
Trump is furious at Britain for its refusal to join the fight against Iran, and his administration continues to accuse the British government of denying free speech to conservative voices. In London, Prime Minister Keir Starmer vows not to be dragged into another war of America’s choosing, and bristles at the president’s description of Britain’s aircraft carriers as nothing more than “toys.”
Those differences were never likely to be erased by the king’s first visit to the United States as the British monarch. By law and tradition, the king is supposed to rise above the disputes that often bedevil the leaders of both governments.
There you go. They should have said that up front, because we tend to forget it. Charles has no real power; he’s there for ceremonial and public relations reasons, that’s all. Trump is falling for it, because of course he is, but he’ll also forget all about it the moment the royal plane is wheels up.
Trump was a guest of the royal family for a state dinner at Windsor Castle in September, an experience he described as “one of the highest honors of my life.”
Of course he did. He takes it seriously. He’ll forget about it tomorrow, but he also takes it seriously. He thinks royalty is still a real thing.
He also drew a standing ovation during his speech to Congress when he spoke about how the concept of checks and balances in American government has its roots in English history. Mr. Trump has worked to significantly expand executive power.
Charles said the U.S. Supreme Court Historical Society found that Magna Carta was cited in at least 160 Supreme Court cases since 1789, “not least as the foundation of the principle that executive power is subject to checks and balances.”
Zing. Well done, Prime Minister.
He spoke of “the natural wonders” of the United States and “our shared responsibility to safeguard nature, our most precious and irreplaceable asset.” Charles is an avid environmentalist; Mr. Trump, by contrast, pulled out of the Paris agreement on climate change, making the United States the only country in the world to abandon the international commitment to slow global warming.
Perhaps that part was Chuck’s idea and Starmer allowed it.
While it was unclear whether the king’s appeal would be enough to mend the wounds in the trans-Atlantic relationship, Mr. Dickinson said the British were probably hoping the visit created a pathway to recovery.
“That’s why the government values the royal family as a diplomatic ace in the hand,” he said. “It’s not a magic wand, but it helps.”
Especially when it’s a Trump the government is trying to manage. It’s not a magic wand but Trump pretty much thinks it is.
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