King Charles has made Donald Trump feel “less special” after welcoming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Sandringham.
Diplomatic sources in Washington claim Trump went “cool” on Britain following the meeting.
The monarch’s show of solidarity with Ukraine has seemingly upset the 47th President, who had recently received an invitation for a state visit to the UK.
Allies of the US President have told UK officials that pictures of the King with the Ukrainian leader made Trump feel “less special” about his own invitation.
King Charles has made Donald Trump feel ‘less special’ after welcoming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Sandringham, according to Diplomatic sources in Washington
Getty
UK officials responded by explaining it would have been inappropriate for the Government to “direct” the King not to meet Zelensky, The Mail on Sunday has claimed.
The meeting took place just days after Sir Keir Starmer had presented Trump with an invitation from Charles for a state visit to London.
A Government spokesman firmly denied the reports of tension, stating: “We do not recognise these reports. We have been unequivocal about the importance of the US as an ally of the UK.”
No10 sources also insisted that Sandringham had not caused problems, noting that the Prime Minister had spoken directly with Trump on Monday.
King Charles welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to his Sandringham estate
Getty
Despite Trump being dealt a blow, the Prime Minister maintains “positive engagement” with the US President.
The King’s meeting with Zelensky came in the immediate aftermath of a tense Oval Office confrontation between the Ukrainian leader and Trump.
During that meeting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly berated Zelensky for his “supposed lack of respect and gratitude for American help”.
Adding to the diplomatic complexity, Charles also welcomed Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Sandringham the following day.
This meeting occurred just as Trudeau was reeling from Trump’s announcement of 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports.
Despite the reported tensions, the UK Government emphasised its commitment to the US relationship.
A Government spokesman said: “No two countries are as closely aligned as ours on economic, defence, security and intelligence interests, and we share deep historic and cultural ties.”
“We will continue to work hand-in-hand and look forward to welcoming President Trump.”
