Prince William’s meeting with Donald Trump in Paris last December was widely praised for its warmth, with the U.S. leader calling the Prince of Wales “a good man” who is “doing a fantastic job”—and even describing him as “very handsome.”
As speculation grows that President Trump could be invited for a return visit to the UK, William and Kate are expected to take on an even greater diplomatic role, potentially ushering in a new era of royal soft power.
“Kate and William could be the power duo to strengthen the so-called special relationship and play a key role in smoothing ties between the two nations,” a source reveals. “William has already established a connection with Trump, which will be invaluable in the future—especially when he and Kate eventually become King and Queen.”
A Key Role in Strengthening International Relations
With global political uncertainty on the rise, the UK government is reportedly eager for the royal family to enhance international relations, with President Trump a key focus. While both King Charles and Prince William have upcoming overseas trips, their ability to host world leaders at home—alongside Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales—will be instrumental.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is visiting the White House this week, is expected to extend an invitation for Trump to make an unprecedented second state visit to the UK. Though the King would be the official host, William and Kate would also be called upon to step up in what could be one of the most significant uses of royal diplomacy in a generation.
Government advisers and palace officials are reportedly coordinating efforts to ensure that the royal family plays a pivotal role in engaging with Trump, particularly as tensions arise over his policies on Ukraine.
Trump’s Admiration for Royalty
Officials are convinced that Trump’s longstanding admiration for the British monarchy—rooted in his late mother Mary Anne MacLeod Trump’s deep respect for Queen Elizabeth II—could help bolster U.S.-UK relations.
“William’s Paris meeting was a resounding success, and within the White House, it was seen as a major diplomatic win. Trump was really impressed by the Prince,” CNN anchor Max Foster tells HELLO! “Trump loves the pomp and pageantry, so if he visits the UK, the full force of the royal family will be on display—with the King, Queen, and the Prince and Princess of Wales all playing key roles.”
Trump’s fascination with royalty is well-documented—he even keeps a photo album of his previous royal encounters on his plane. However, “The Firm” looks very different from when Queen Elizabeth hosted him in 2019.
“This is a big test for the royals,” Foster notes. “But Trump values the prestige of being associated with royalty and enjoys being shown respect on the world stage.”
Diplomatic Expertise Amid Policy Differences
Navigating diplomatic engagements with Trump may require the King and William to set aside their strong views on issues such as climate change—particularly as Trump overturned a ban on plastic drinking straws early in his presidency.
However, Foster believes they will manage it smoothly: “The King is a master diplomat. He and William are experts in these situations—they’ve had a lifetime of practice. They’ll find common ground, and they are excellent listeners.”
Both the King and Prince William have extensive experience hosting world leaders while remaining politically neutral. William has met the last three U.S. presidents, and he and Kate famously welcomed Barack and Michelle Obama to Kensington Palace in 2016, where they introduced them to a young Prince George.
The royal couple also attended the state banquet during Trump’s last UK visit and later met President Joe Biden in Boston in 2022 for the Earthshot Prize Awards.
Kate, too, has developed her diplomatic experience over the past decade, having sat next to China’s President Xi Jinping at a state banquet in 2015 and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2022.
With another U.S. state visit on the horizon, sources suggest Kate will play a significant role: “Trump simply adores the royals, even if he has little time for some politicians. He sees William and Catherine as the glamorous future of the monarchy and loves the idea of their star power rubbing off on him. It’s crucial that these relationships are maximized.”
While a royal visit to the U.S. is unlikely before 2026—when the country marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—UK officials remain keen for either the King or Prince William to visit in due course.
