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.

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have pledged increased financial support for the Oxfordshire Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) Project.

The project is a long-standing scheme designed to conserve habitats of ‘significant value’ for wildlife by providing landowners with specialist advice on environmental management.

Mike Giles, South Oxfordshire District Council cabinet member for climate action and nature recovery, said: “Supporting Local Wildlife Sites forms a key part of the district’s most comprehensive nature plan seen in living memory.

“Being able to work with like-minded authorities across Oxfordshire means we can ensure that wildlife continues to be protected and indeed celebrated.”

The project is a partnership of the Berks Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre, and Oxfordshire councils.

Under their latest budgets, both councils have pledged £10,000 per year to support the scheme’s running costs.

Dr Robert Clegg, cabinet member for environmental services, climate action, and nature recovery at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “With many of our natural habitats under pressure, it’s heartening to see such a variety of beloved British wildlife thriving at these sites.

“While it’s not yet clear if kingfishers and otters will appear on our banknotes, their presence in our districts is more secure thanks to our strengthened partnership with the project.”

Notable sites include Waterstock Mill near Wheatley, which supports otters and curlews, and the Letcombe Cressbeds near Wantage, home to rare chalk stream species.

The long-running ITV talent show returned for a 19th series in February (February 21), once again welcoming a wide array of performers.

Judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI have all returned for another season of BGT, along with hosts Ant and Dec.

This year’s auditions once again unearthed some of the UK’s top talent, with a host of acts selected to continue through to the semi-finals.

Nine acts achieved golden buzzers in 2026:

• Paul Nunnari – para-athlete
• Rafferty Coope – magician
• Antigravity – light-up dance/movement act
• Hawkstone Farmers Choir – singers
• Ted Hill – comedian
• Matty Juniosa – singer
• Braunstone Community Primary School – dancing/comedy
• World Wings – dancers
• Mr Cherry – strongman

Who are the 8 acts performing on Britain’s Got Talent tonight?

With the pre-recorded auditions complete, it is now time for the live semi-finals, the first of which airs on ITV1 and ITVX tonight (Saturday, April 25).

The eight acts performing in tonight’s first live BGT semi-final are:

• Anastasiia and Salsa
• Celtic Beat
• Christy Coysh
• Fraser Penman
• Matty Juniosa
• Nancy Tilley
• Paul Nunnari
• The Rafikiz

What does the winner of BGT get?

The semi-finalists will all be competing for a spot in the final, which will take place on Saturday, May 30.

The winner of BGT takes home a £250,000 cash prize and also gets the opportunity to perform at the Royal Variety Performance.

There will be five semi-finals in 2026.

When is Britain’s Got Talent on tonight?

The first live semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent 2026 will air on ITV1 and ITVX from 7pm tonight (Saturday, April 25).

Having already impressed the judges during auditions, each act must now push their claim for a spot in the Grand Finale.

There will also be a special guest performance from the cast of I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical.

Who has been your favourite act on Britain’s Got Talent 2026? Let us know in the comments below.