Ahead of Trump's State Visit, UK to Unleash Royal 'Soft Power'

Reuters reported on September 12 (local time) that the United Kingdom plans to deploy the royal family's "soft power" to win favor with U.S. President Donald Trump, who will make a state visit from September 17 to 19.

This marks President Trump's second state visit to the United Kingdom, following his first term visit in 2019. He is the first U.S. president in history to visit the United Kingdom twice as a state guest.

In 2019, U.S. President Donald Trump and King Charles III of the United Kingdom (then Prince of Wales) made a state visit to the United Kingdom. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

Upon their arrival in the United Kingdom on September 17, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are expected to receive an exceptionally warm welcome, including a red carpet reception. The following day, they will be greeted by Prince William, the heir to the throne, and Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales. The visit will also feature a carriage procession, a lavish state banquet, a military aircraft flyover, and ceremonial gun salutes.

While state visits are arranged by the British government, the official invitation comes from the monarch. Due to traditional royal protocol, these visits hold a special place on the diplomatic stage.

The British government hopes that President Trump's visit will serve as an opportunity to strengthen defense and security cooperation with the United States. Reuters noted that the royal family is considered a "secret weapon" for fostering bilateral cooperation.

Back in February, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also played the "royal card" when seeking President Trump's support on issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war and tariffs. During an awkward conversation at the White House, Prime Minister Starmer presented President Trump with an invitation from King Charles III, proposing an unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom.

At the time, President Trump was visibly delighted and told Prime Minister Starmer, "He (King Charles) is a beautiful and wonderful person," adding, "Your country is fantastic, and it is an honor for us to visit."

This is not the first time the British government has used the royal family to appeal to foreign leaders. In the past, Queen Elizabeth II welcomed state guests such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In July, French President Emmanuel Macron made a state visit to the United Kingdom. During this visit, an agreement was reached to return some migrants who had crossed the English Channel in small boats back to France. It is widely viewed that tensions between the two countries, which had escalated after Brexit, were significantly eased. In his address to the British Parliament, President Macron joked, "To be honest, we love the monarchy, especially when we don't have one at home," expressing his fondness for the royal family.

The royal family is well aware that welcoming foreign dignitaries is one of its greatest charms. James Chalmers, King Charles's treasurer, stated, "Soft power is difficult to measure, but its value is clearly recognized both at home and abroad."

Reuters explained, "The main diplomatic role of the British royal family, once the head of the world's largest empire, is now to captivate and welcome world leaders like Trump at state events, in the hope that this will encourage them to view the United Kingdom favorably."