King Charleswill press ahead with a major state visit to the United States on Monday 27 April, including ameeting with President Donald Trump in Washington, despite reports that Prince William raised concerns about the King's health andwas overruled by Queen Camilla.
The visit comes as Charles continues treatment following thecancer diagnosis disclosed in early 2024. The Palace has said his treatment is being scaled back after a positive response, but questions remain over how demanding a four day schedule across Washington DC, New York City and Virginia could be as he resumes fuller public duties.
Royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner told theIrish Starthat tensions behind the scenes are genuine, claiming the decision to accept the US invitation has 'caused a row within the Royal Family'. He alleged that Prince William urged his father to scale back the trip, only to find himself 'overruled' by Queen Camilla, who is said to be determined to avoid any public impression of weakness around the King.
According to Pelham Turner, the Prince of Wales did not want his father to take on the American trip, particularly with the250th anniversary celebrations of US independenceexpected to bring a packed schedule of ceremonial duties and intense media attention.
'Sources close to the Royal Family have allegedly stated that Prince William was against the couple going to the celebrations as he felt that his father's health was still not the best but apparently he was overruled by Queen Camilla,' he said, speaking exclusively to the outlet.
William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, were both invited to join the visit but declined, the report says. The Prince has also made no public statement in support of the trip, a silence some royal watchers have interpreted as notable rather than routine.
Pelham Turner suggested William's unease sits in direct contrast with Camilla's instincts. In his account, the Queen wants to project steadiness and continuity, fearing that any visible sign of frailty could undermine both the King's authority and the monarchy's image at a sensitive stage in his reign.
None of those alleged conversations has been confirmed by Buckingham Palace. There has been no official comment on any disagreement, and no public acknowledgement of a 'furious' Prince William, so those claims remain attributed and unverified.
What has been confirmed is the scale of the visit. King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel to the US for a four day state trip that includes ajoint session of Congressand a formal White House state dinner hosted by Donald Trump. It will mark thefirst visit by a British monarch to the United States since 2007, giving the trip considerable diplomatic and ceremonial weight.
Some commentators say the meeting with Trump carries significance beyond royal theatre.Pauline Maclaran, co author ofRoyal Fever, told theIrish Starthat the visit could be useful at a time when relations between London and Washington have been strained.
Source: International Business Times UK
