In the 1800s, the United Kingdom was clearly the richest country in the world, with consistent, solid economic growth, a focus on science and engineering, plus all the benefits of trade across the oceans. But now the country seems to have lost its mojo. The country’s living standards have fallen far behind those of other developed economies.

Contrary to popular perception, Britain’s GDP per capita (the income generated by the average person) has lagged behind that of the vast majority of the 50 United States plus Washington D.C., last year, according to forecasts in the third quarter of 2025 by the U.S. government, plus recent International Monetary Fund data. Projections are needed as the final annual GDP figures were not published at the time of writing.

When those states (plus Washington D.C.) compared their GDP per capita, the U.K. would have ranked 50th, behind Alabama, which is forecast to have a nominal per capita GDP of $60,265 in 2025. Britain was slightly worse off, at $60,010, according to the latest data from the U.S. government and the International Monetary Fund. Topping the list was Washington DC with $113,369. Analysts note that the figures don’t include the cost of living; however, even with that accounted for, the U.K. still lags significantly behind the U.S. national average.

“If you leave aside Britain’s capital, London, their GDP per capita is much lower,” Marc Chandler, chief market strategist at Bannockburn Global Forex in New York City, told FOX Business. London has a huge financial center which distorts some of the data. One of the major problems has been the lack of productivity growth, which measures the increase in output per average employee, Chandler, “U.S. productivity increases have been stronger.” 

MAJORITY OF UK ENTREPRENEURS SAY BRITISH GOVERNMENT IS ‘ANTI-BUSINESS,’ NEW SURVEY SHOWS

A sign showing the London Stock Exchange. (Toby Melville/Reuters / Reuters)

On average, the U.S. GDP per capita is projected to be $89,599 in 2025, considerably higher than in Britain. The UK also lags Ireland, Switzerland, Singapore, Norway and Germany, to name a few countries, according to forecasts by the International Monetary Fund. “That’s what happens when you destroy innovation, taxes are too high, and regulations are too numerous,” Robert E. Wright, an economic policy historian at the University of Austin, Texas, told FOX Business.

Wright notes there’s also a British cultural tendency toward risk aversion for many reasons. Even if a project or new business succeeds in the U.K., the company will be heavily taxed and then hampered by newly created regulations. “Not only are these barriers not helpful, but they’re also shooting themselves in the foot,” he says. “And they aren’t at the technological frontier.” American businesspeople tend to embrace risk. 

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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. (Getty Images / Getty Images)

According to surveys, the immediate future looks bleak, suggesting Britain’s economy will not suddenly power back, according to a research report from the analysis firm Oxford Economics. “The U.K. lacks a sustainable growth driver,” the briefing states. That’s because what’s keeping the economy growing, albeit at an extra slow pace, is U.K. government spending, rather than organic growth and innovation from private-sector businesses.

Government spending has resulted in job creation and that has helped mute the headcount job losses in the private sector, according to the Oxford Economics report. “But the boost from the public sector will likely start to fade,” it states. “Given weak private sector demand, we expect the jobless rate will rise further.” 

The Oxford report also shows that since the second half of 2023, government jobs have been stubbornly better paid, on average, than those in the private sector. That’s likely to get in the way of encouraging creative entrepreneurs from innovating, experts say.

A Union flag flies near the Elizabeth Tower, better known as “Big Ben”, and the Houses of Parliament in central London on March 6, 2017 (Ben Stansall/AFP Getty Images / Getty Images)

Oxford Economics forecasts a small 1% growth for 2026. But that was forecast before the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, which could lead to likely weaker growth for the U.K. analyst warned.

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Robert Jenrick, the shadow chancellor of the UK Reform Party, slammed the Labour government’s handling of the economy. “We are losing our steel, our car manufacturing, our glass, our ceramics, our chemical industries,” he told the U.K.’s Daily Express. “There are millions of good jobs that rely on these industries, and they simply will not survive if we continue to have energy prices that are five or six times higher than in the United States.”

Gas prices are continuing to climb as the ongoing conflict with Iran drives up crude oil costs, pushing prices higher at the pump nationwide.

The national average now stands at $4.11 per gallon, up about 86 cents from a month ago, according to AAA. Costs are climbing across nearly every region, with some states already well above the U.S. average.

On the West Coast, drivers are seeing the highest costs, with prices reaching $5.92 per gallon in California and $5.37 in Washington. Meanwhile, on the East Coast, gas prices have surpassed $4 in several areas, including $4.27 in Washington, D.C., and $4.06 in New York. 

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In the Midwest, Illinois stands out at $4.29 per gallon, while much of the region remains in the mid-$3 range. Southern states remain comparatively cheaper, though prices are rising there as well. Texas and South Carolina are both averaging about $3.82, while Florida is higher at $4.20.

Diesel has climbed to $5.61, up about $1.45 over the past month. As a key fuel for freight, shipping, and public transportation, it is particularly sensitive to refining capacity constraints and global supply disruptions.

SAN FRANCISCO BECOMES FIRST US CITY WHERE DIESEL PRICES TOP $8 A GALLON

A person grabs the nozzle for diesel fuel at a gas station. (Rebecca Noble/Bloomberg/Getty Images)

In San Francisco, prices have surged even higher. For the first time on record, average diesel costs have surpassed $8 per gallon, according to new data from GasBuddy — marking an unprecedented milestone for any U.S. city.

The climbing fuel costs come as President Donald Trump issued a profanity-laced warning to Iran, giving the regime until Tuesday to allow vessels through the key waterway — or face strikes on its critical infrastructure.

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A satellite image shows the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, vital for global energy supply. (Amanda Macias/Fox News Digital)

The Strait of Hormuz, a waterway between Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, is a critical energy choke point.

“Open the F—– Strait, you crazy b——-, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH!” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post to Iranian leaders.

LONDON — King Charles III marked a quiet Easter Sunday on April 5, 2026, attending the traditional Matins service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor with Queen Camilla and senior royals, but Buckingham Palace confirmed he will not deliver a formal Easter message this year, drawing some criticism after recent Ramadan greetings.

The decision not to issue an Easter address comes despite the monarch’s role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England. While Easter messages are not an annual tradition — the late Queen Elizabeth II issued one only during the COVID-19 pandemic — King Charles did release a faith-focused message on Holy Thursday in 2025. Palace officials stated the omission aligns with long-standing practice for non-Christmas occasions, though it sparked online debate and commentary from figures questioning the balance of interfaith outreach.

On Maundy Thursday, April 2, the King and Queen Camilla traveled to St. Asaph Cathedral in North Wales for the Royal Maundy service, an ancient Christian tradition. The King presented specially minted Maundy money to 77 men and 77 women in recognition of their service, with the number matching his age of 77. The event marked only the second time the service has been held in Wales. Despite a minor anti-monarchy protest visible outside the cathedral, the King appeared in good spirits, displaying confident demeanor praised by observers.

Health updates for the 77-year-old monarch remain positive. Diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in early 2024, King Charles shared encouraging news in a December 2025 video message, revealing that thanks to early detection and effective treatment, his cancer treatment schedule would be significantly reduced in 2026. He described it as “a personal blessing” and urged others to prioritize screening, emphasizing that early intervention can be life-saving. Palace sources indicate his condition has responded exceptionally well, moving into a precautionary phase with ongoing monitoring but no major disruptions to his duties. He continues light public engagements while balancing recovery.

The King’s schedule shows steady activity. He recently delivered the King’s Speech outlining the government’s legislative agenda and maintains a full calendar of constitutional responsibilities. No absences due to health have been reported in recent months, and he appears engaged in both official and private family moments.

Looking ahead, Buckingham Palace announced a major international trip: a state visit to the United States in late April 2026, from April 27 to 30, marking the first such visit by Charles as monarch. The itinerary includes meetings with President Donald Trump, a state banquet at the White House on April 28, and an address to a joint session of Congress — the first by a British monarch in more than three decades. The visit celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence and aims to strengthen UK-US ties amid geopolitical tensions, including differences over recent conflicts.

On the return journey, the King and Queen Camilla will stop in Bermuda. Congressional leaders from both parties extended the invitation for the historic address, highlighting shared heritage and enduring friendship between the nations. The trip places Charles in a delicate diplomatic role, navigating relations with the Trump administration while representing the United Kingdom on the global stage.

Family matters remain in the spotlight. Reports suggest ongoing estrangement with his younger son, Prince Harry, who resides in the United States. Despite an reported olive branch from the Duke of Sussex, no meeting is expected during the King’s US visit, according to palace insiders and BBC reporting. The King has not publicly commented on the matter, maintaining focus on official duties.

Public and media reaction to recent royal developments has been mixed. Some praised the King’s interfaith gestures, including Ramadan messages, while others expressed disappointment over the lack of an Easter address, viewing it through the lens of his Christian leadership role. Social media commentary ranged from support for his health progress and diplomatic efforts to criticism of perceived priorities.

King Charles continues to champion causes close to his heart, including environmental conservation, interfaith dialogue and support for cancer research and patient care. His reduced treatment schedule allows greater flexibility for public engagements, though the palace emphasizes that his health remains the priority with regular medical reviews.

As Easter celebrations unfolded across the Commonwealth with themes of hope and renewal, the royal family gathered privately at Windsor for the Matins service followed by a family lunch. The Prince and Princess of Wales, their children, and other senior royals were expected to join, continuing long-standing traditions.

The upcoming US state visit represents a significant milestone in Charles’s reign, testing his ability to bridge political divides through soft power and ceremony. With Trump describing the visit as “terrific” and expressing respect for the King, the trip carries symbolic weight at a time of global uncertainty.

Buckingham Palace has provided no further details on the exact program beyond the confirmed dates and congressional address. Preparations are underway, with security and diplomatic teams coordinating closely with US counterparts.

On the health front, the King’s openness about his cancer journey — including the December 2025 message — has been credited with raising awareness. He has spoken movingly about the “community of care” surrounding patients and thanked healthcare workers and supporters.

As April 2026 progresses, King Charles balances recovery, family, faith observances and high-level diplomacy. His reduced treatment offers optimism, while the US visit underscores his role as a unifying figure on the world stage.

No major changes to his immediate schedule have been announced beyond the transatlantic trip. The King is expected to resume normal public duties following Easter, with the King’s Speech already delivered in May preparations noted earlier.

For the latest official updates, the public is directed to Buckingham Palace announcements and verified royal channels. As the monarch navigates personal health milestones and international responsibilities, attention remains on his steady leadership amid a changing global landscape.

SAN FRANCISCO — Peter Thiel, the billionaire co-founder of PayPal and Palantir Technologies and an early investor in Facebook, remains one of Silicon Valley’s most provocative thinkers. Known for his contrarian views on innovation, competition and the future of humanity, Thiel’s ideas continue to shape startup culture and public discourse even as he delves into topics like artificial intelligence, longevity and biblical prophecy in 2026.

His seminal book “Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future,” co-authored with Blake Masters, distills lessons from his Stanford lectures and remains a must-read for entrepreneurs. While Thiel has made headlines recently for private lectures on the “Antichrist” and warnings about technological stagnation, his core quotes on business, courage and originality endure as guides for founders navigating uncertain times.

Here are 10 of Thiel’s most powerful and frequently cited quotes, drawn from his writings, interviews and lectures, along with context on why they resonate today.

1. “The most contrarian thing of all is not to oppose the crowd but to think for yourself.”

Thiel emphasizes independent thought over mere rebellion. In a world of groupthink and viral trends, successful innovators identify truths others overlook by returning to first principles. This idea underpins much of his critique of “indefinite optimism” — the vague hope that progress will happen without deliberate planning.

2. “Brilliant thinking is rare, but courage is in even shorter supply than genius.”

Repeated across multiple sources, this line highlights that execution requires bravery more than raw intellect. Thiel, who backed bold bets like SpaceX and Palantir, argues that many smart people fail because they lack the willingness to defy conventional wisdom. A January 2026 wealth column revisited this quote to underscore Thiel’s philosophy that monopoly-building demands fortitude.

3. “Every moment in business happens only once. The next Bill Gates will not build an operating system. The next Larry Page or Sergey Brin won’t make a search engine. And the next Mark Zuckerberg won’t create a social network. If you are copying these guys, you aren’t learning from them.”

From the opening of “Zero to One,” this warns against imitation. True progress comes from creating new categories — going from zero to one — rather than incremental improvements or globalization-fueled competition. In 2026, with AI reshaping industries, Thiel’s call for originality feels especially urgent amid waves of copycat startups.

4. “The best entrepreneurs know this: every great business is built around a secret that’s hidden from the outside. A great company is a conspiracy to change the world; when you share your secret, the recipient becomes a fellow conspirator.”

Thiel portrays successful ventures as quests to uncover and protect unique insights. This “secret” mindset fosters mission-driven teams. He contrasts it with competitive markets where secrets are absent and profits erode.

5. “Monopoly is the condition of every successful business.”

Far from viewing monopolies as evil, Thiel sees them as proof of creating real value through innovation. Competitive markets, he argues, drive businesses to mediocrity. “All happy companies are different: each one earns a monopoly by solving a unique problem. All failed companies are the same: they failed to escape competition,” he writes. This framework influences how venture capitalists evaluate defensibility in 2026’s crowded tech landscape.

6. “Competition can make people hallucinate opportunities where none exist.”

Thiel cautions that intense rivalry distorts reality, leading founders to chase crowded spaces. Instead, he advocates starting in small, overlooked markets and scaling from there. This ties into his broader stagnation thesis, recently reaffirmed in 2025 interviews where he noted slowed progress since the 1970s despite technological advances.

7. “Your mind is software. Program it. Your body is a shell. Change it. Death is a disease. Cure it. Extinction is approaching. Fight it.”

This radical transhumanist declaration reflects Thiel’s long-standing interest in longevity and defying natural limits. He has funded life-extension research and views death as solvable through technology. In recent years, he has connected such ideas to Christian theology and warnings about apocalyptic risks from unchecked globalism or regulation.

8. “Education is a bubble in a classic sense. To call something a bubble, it must be overpriced, and there must be an intense belief in it.”

Thiel famously critiques higher education as an inflated credentialing system that burdens graduates with debt while delivering diminishing returns. He dropped out of Stanford Law School and has promoted alternatives like the Thiel Fellowship, which pays young people to skip college and build companies. This view gained traction amid ongoing debates over student debt and workforce readiness.

9. “What’s preventing you from achieving your ten-year goals inside of six months?”

A provocative challenge to founders, this quote urges aggressive timelines and questions self-imposed limits. Thiel often contrasts “definite optimism” — planning a specific future — with indefinite attitudes that delay progress. It encourages ruthless prioritization in resource-scarce startup environments.

10. “The most valuable businesses of coming decades will be built by entrepreneurs who seek to empower people rather than try to make them obsolete.”

In an era of rapid AI adoption, Thiel stresses technology that augments human capability. He has expressed concerns about stagnation and the need for breakthroughs in energy, transportation and biotechnology. His 2025-2026 lectures on biblical end-times themes and technology regulation tie into broader fears that centralized control could stifle innovation.

Thiel’s influence extends beyond quotes. As a co-founder of Founders Fund, he has backed companies pushing boundaries in defense, data analytics and space. His political involvement, including support for Donald Trump, and recent real estate warnings about a potential “catastrophe” for young Americans reflect a worldview skeptical of mainstream consensus.

Critics accuse Thiel of elitism or overly pessimistic takes on democracy and globalization, citing his statement that “I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible.” Yet supporters praise his willingness to question sacred cows, from university prestige to indefinite progress narratives.

In 2026, with AI accelerating and geopolitical tensions rising, Thiel’s emphasis on secrets, monopolies and courage offers a counterpoint to hype cycles. His recent Rome lectures on the Antichrist — interpreting fears of technology regulation as apocalyptic forces — sparked debate among theologians but underscored his fusion of tech, philosophy and faith.

Entrepreneurs often return to these ideas when facing doubt. Thiel’s PayPal experience taught him that naivety about difficulty can fuel breakthroughs: “If I had known how hard it would be to do something new… I would never have started PayPal.”

His philosophy promotes definite plans over vague hopes. “Indefinite fears about the far future shouldn’t stop us from making definite plans today,” he advises.

As startups grapple with economic pressures and regulatory scrutiny, Thiel’s quotes serve as both inspiration and warning. Building from zero to one requires rejecting imitation, embracing secrets and mustering courage where genius alone falls short.

Thiel continues to invest and speak out, reminding technologists that progress is not inevitable but earned through bold, original action. Whether one agrees with his politics or theology, his core business insights retain power for anyone seeking to create lasting value.

In an age of fast-follower apps and AI wrappers, Thiel’s call to uncover hidden truths and build monopolies on genuine innovation stands as a timeless provocation.