A lot of people want the planned state visit cancelled. This is unsurprising given the manner of President Trump’s recent behaviours and words. Some people have even used this as an argument against the visit.
Ironically, I think this is an example that supports rather than goes against the case for the monarchy. It at least makes the case for a non-political head of state.
Of course the reality is that Trump will take the visit as a personal triumph despite the fact that past monarchs have visited all kinds of places regardless of who is in charge. I think that attitude was one reason why there shouldn’t have been a rush to invite him here for his state visits. Trump is very much a political and divisive figure.
However, the point of a state visit should be to honour the country not the person. It should not be about immediate politics. Given that Trump seems intent on ripping up treaties and relationships for short term personal advantage, this visit will actually send some important messages.
The King’s visit acts as a reminder that the institutions of monarchy and presidency go beyond the current holders. It’s a reminder too of a relationship that predates and can out survive the political and personality clashes of the current heads of Government (Trump is both head of state and head of government whilst Starmer is head of government here).
So whilst I’m no fan of Donald Trump and nor am I an enthusiastic monarchist, I think the state visit can be a good and helpful thing.
Faithroots 