The British Royal Family’s Soft Power Could Help Soothe US-UK Relations Amid Tensions
The British royal family has long played a vital role in strengthening ties between the United States and the United Kingdom, known as the “special relationship” between the two countries. As tensions rise between the UK’s government and President-elect Donald Trump, some believe the royal family could be a valuable asset in building trust with the Trump administration.
Trump has publicly expressed admiration for the royal family, particularly Queen Elizabeth II, and has been known to lavishly praise members of the family. In 2019, Trump praised the royal family, saying, “I have such a great relationship, and we were laughing and having fun.”
Trump’s friendly remarks towards the royal family may be a welcome relief for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is keen to build trust with the Trump administration. Ed Owens, a royal historian, notes that Trump admires the family’s celebrity and their representation of traditional social authority.
Trump has also made flattering comments about Prince William, the heir to the British throne, calling him a “good man” and praising his looks. Trump’s comments have been welcomed by those concerned about the future of UK-US relations, particularly given the divisive nature of the incoming president.
Royal commentators believe that the royal family can “conceivably play a role in softening the atmosphere, which is pretty tense right now.” The late Queen Elizabeth II was known for her efforts to build strong relationships with past US presidents, and her legacy is expected to continue with the current royal family.
However, not all issues will be resolved by the royal family’s influence. For example, Prince William and King Charles III have been vocal advocates for climate action, while Trump has expressed opposition to climate change policies. Despite these differences, the royals will likely continue to emphasize the importance of climate action in a delicate and respectful manner.
The British royal family’s soft power will help to smooth the path for future relations between the UK and US governments, and is a vital part of the UK government’s strategy for ensuring the bonds between the two countries remain strong.