King Charles and Queen Camilla's planned state visit to the United States in late April raises serious concerns given President Donald Trump's history of divisive rhetoric and policies. The visit, the first state visit from the UK since 2007, provides a platform for the UK to engage with the US, but it also risks legitimizing an administration that has repeatedly undermined progressive values and international norms.

The timing of the visit, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of US independence, is particularly fraught. While Buckingham Palace claims the trip will “celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral relationship” between the countries, it overlooks the deep social and political divisions that have emerged in the US under Trump. These divisions include attacks on environmental regulations, healthcare access, and immigrant rights.

Trump’s previous statements regarding the UK, including his criticism of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his dismissive comments about the UK's involvement in the Iran war, further complicate the visit. These remarks suggest a lack of respect for the UK's sovereignty and its role on the world stage. His “go get your own oil” comment reveals a transactional view of international relations that undermines the principles of cooperation and mutual respect.

The YouGov survey showing that 49% of the British public opposes the state visit underscores the deep unease many feel about engaging with the Trump administration. These concerns are amplified by Congressman Ro Khanna’s call for King Charles to meet with victims of Jeffrey Epstein during his visit, highlighting the ethical considerations that must be taken into account when engaging with powerful figures accused of wrongdoing.

While Trump has expressed a positive view of King Charles and recalled his visit to Windsor Castle fondly, these personal sentiments do not negate the real-world impact of his policies. The state visit should not be seen as an endorsement of Trump's agenda, but rather as an opportunity to advocate for progressive values and challenge his policies from within.

King Charles' visit to the US also comes at a time when Prince Harry, his son, resides in the US. This creates an opportunity for the King to bridge personal and political divides. However, the state visit also presents a platform to address critical human rights concerns. The visit to Washington, D.C., presents an opportunity to engage with members of Congress and advocate for policies that promote social justice and equality.

The fact that the decision to hold a state visit is made by the government, with the King travelling on behalf of the Foreign Office, does not absolve the monarchy of its responsibility to uphold ethical standards. The monarchy should use its platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and advocate for policies that benefit all people, not just the privileged few.

The visit also needs to be framed within the broader context of global challenges, including climate change, economic inequality, and the rise of authoritarianism. These challenges require international cooperation and a commitment to progressive values. The state visit should be an opportunity to reaffirm these commitments and challenge the Trump administration's isolationist policies.

Ultimately, the success of the state visit will be measured not by the warmth of the personal interactions between King Charles and President Trump, but by the tangible impact it has on promoting social justice and equality. It is essential that the visit be used to advocate for a more just and equitable world.

The King’s visit to Bermuda should also be viewed through a progressive lens. As a British Overseas Territory, Bermuda faces its own set of challenges, including economic inequality and environmental degradation. The visit should be an opportunity to highlight these issues and advocate for policies that promote sustainable development and social justice.

The King's address to Congress should be a call for unity and cooperation, but it should also be a frank assessment of the challenges facing both countries. The address should not shy away from difficult topics, such as the legacy of colonialism, the ongoing struggle for racial justice, and the need to address climate change.

The state visit should be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the UK and the US, but it should also be used to challenge the Trump administration's policies and advocate for a more just and equitable world.