King Charles to meet with Trump to talk about “everything”

The King and Queen will arrive in the US for a four-day state visit on Monday, April 27 to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence from Britain.

The American leader said he plans to talk to the King about the Iran war, which has strained transatlantic relations, and the thorny issue of Nato.

Mr Trump said: “I’m going to talk about everything.”

Trump made his comments to Reuters as fresh controversy flared over reports the US could review its position on Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands as punishment for Sir Keir Starmer’s lack of support for the military action against Tehran.

Mr Trump has previously said that the royal trip could “absolutely” mend relations with the UK and hailed the King a “great man”.

This is in stark contrast to his view of the UK Prime Minister, who he has derided as weak and indecisive.

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As well as meeting with Mr Trump, the royal couple will be guests of honour at a White House banquet and the monarch has been invited to address a joint meeting of the US Congress.

In addition Charles and Camilla will also visit Virginia and New York.

The Strait of Hormuz crisis has further fuelled tensions (Image: AP)

Tensions show no sign of abating as US defence secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed efforts being led by the UK and France to ensure the future security of the Strait of Hormuz as “silly”.

He argued Europe should start having “less fancy conferences and get in a boat”, as he rebuked Britain and other countries for their response to the crisis in the critical Gulf waterway.

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth (Image: AP)

In pointed comments, Mr Hegseth said America deserved allies “who are loyal” and understood the partnership was “not a one-way street”.

The strait, which is a major supply route for oil and gas supplies, had been open prior to the US and Israel launching strikes against Iran.

In retaliation, Tehran effectively closed the shipping lane.

Although Mr Trump extended an uneasy ceasefire, the strategic shipping lane remains a flashpoint, with both the US and Iran imposing their own blockades, bringing the movement of vessels to a virtual standstill.

However, hopes have been raised of talks to resolve the conflict, with US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner being sent to Pakistan on Saturday “to hear the Iranians out”.

The president has also threatened to impose a “big tariff” on Britain unless it drops the 2 per cent levy on the revenues of several major US tech companies.

The tax targets companies whose worldwide revenues from digital activities exceed £500m, with more than £25m of the revenue from UK users.