Trump says King’s US visit could ‘absolutely’ repair UK relations

Next week’s state visit from King Charles and Queen Camilla could “absolutely” repair relations with the UK, Donald Trump has said amid a growing rift with Sir Keir Starmer.

Relations between the prime minister and the US president have been fractious in recent months, with the president branding the UK’s approach to the Iran war “terrible” and repeatedly lashing out at Sir Keir – at one point describing him as “not Winston Churchill”.

Asked by the BBC whether the upcoming state visit from the King could help repair the relationship, Mr Trump said: “Absolutely. He’s fantastic. He’s a fantastic man. Absolutely the answer is yes.”

“I know him well, I’ve known him for years,” he added. “He’s a brave man, and he’s a great man. They would absolutely be a positive.”

Mr Trump’s comments will come as a boost to No 10, as there has been hope in Downing Street that Charles and Queen Camilla can help put the UK-US special relationship on firmer footing.

The state visit, which begins at the end of the month, will mark the 250th anniversary of American independence and herald the start of celebrations across the US, with Charles and Camilla marking the milestone at a “block party”.

The first time Charles and Camilla will meet the president and US first lady will be at a private tea only captured by cameras.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow…