US President Donald Trump has said next week's state visit from King Charles and Queen Camilla could 'absolutely' help repair relations with the UK.
When asked in a phone interview with the BBC whether the visit could help repair the relationship, Trump said: 'Absolutely. He's fantastic. He's a fantastic man. Absolutely the answer is yes.'
'I know him well, I've known him for years,' he said. 'He's a brave man, and he's a great man. They would absolutely be a positive.'
The president also spoke about his relationship with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who he said could only 'recover' if he changed course on immigration.
The King and Queen will travel to the US for a four-day visit beginning on Monday, and will meet with Trump at the White House.
The King will have a private meeting with the president and also deliver an address to Congress.
After two days in Washington DC, they will travel to New York, Virginia, and Bermuda before returning to the UK.
The Foreign Office said the trip will mark the 250th anniversary of US independence, and will celebrate a partnership of 'shared prosperity, security and history.'
In the interview on Thursday, Trump was also asked about his relationship with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The two leaders have appeared at odds over the war in Iran, and Sir Keir has faced mounting pressure over his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US.
Trump criticized Lord Mandelson's appointment, saying it was 'a really bad pick,' but believed Starmer had 'plenty of time to recover.'
Trump has repeatedly called on the UK to increase oil and gas extraction in the North Sea, emphasizing that strong immigration policies could be crucial for Starmer's recovery in the political landscape.
Trump's comments reflect broader tensions over the UK's commitment to international alliances, particularly regarding the Iran conflict and the UK's support level.
