King’s visit to ‘revitalise’ relationship with US, says UK ambassador

(Sean Coughlan – BBC) The King and Queen’s state visit to the United States will be about “renewing and revitalising a unique friendship”, says the UK’s ambassador, Sir Christian Turner. The royal visitors, arriving on Monday, were already facing a diplomatic challenge with political tensions between the US and the UK. But the shooting incident in Washington DC at the weekend, at an event attended by President Trump, added another layer of security concerns. The UK ambassador said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had spoken to President Trump on Sunday, and the trip would be going ahead largely as planned. King Charles and Queen Camilla had privately reached out to the Trumps to give their sympathies after the attack. After US and UK talks over security, it was decided the trip should continue, with only a few modifications to minimise risks. The four-day state visit will begin in Washington DC, with the King and Queen being greeted at the White House by President Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump. – King’s visit to ‘revitalise’ relationship with US