Donald Trump is reportedly feeling “less special” after King Charles III met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau before him. The meetings, which took place at the King’s private estate, Sandringham, left Trump feeling slighted, especially after he learned that Zelensky had been the first to meet the monarch, despite Trump having received an invitation to visit London.
Trump, who has long been a fan of the British royal family, is said to be upset by the timing of Charles’s meetings with two of his biggest rivals. On March 2 and 3, Charles hosted Zelensky and Trudeau for friendly talks and photo opportunities, which reportedly bruised Trump’s ego. Sources close to the former president claim that he felt snubbed by the King’s actions, particularly since Zelensky, whom Trump has clashed with, was the first to be welcomed by Charles.
Trump’s frustration reportedly stems from his belief that any world leader could have been invited to Sandringham, especially since the King met with Zelensky just two days after Trump’s public disagreement with the Ukrainian leader in the Oval Office. “Trump feels like he’s been left out in favor of others, particularly Zelensky, who Trump believes should not have been given such an honor,” a source told The Mercury News.
However, U.K. officials have dismissed these claims, clarifying that King Charles makes his own decisions about whom to meet. They explained that Zelensky’s visit had been planned well in advance and was unrelated to Trump’s visit or the timing of their respective invitations. “Things definitely went a bit cool in Washington after Sandringham,” a source acknowledged, but stressed that the King’s meeting with Zelensky was always on the calendar.
Despite these reassurances, Trump’s allies have made it clear that the pictures of Charles smiling with Zelensky and Trudeau have left the former president feeling less important. His frustration is not just about the meetings but also about the symbolism behind them. The meetings between the King and these world leaders came at a time when geopolitical tensions are high, especially over the war in Ukraine. For Trump, who has often had strained relations with both Zelensky and Trudeau, the public display of solidarity with them seemed like a personal slight.
The King’s role as a diplomatic figure is a delicate one. While he is constitutionally expected to stay above politics, his interactions with world leaders are seen as a reflection of British soft power. Following these meetings, Charles is expected to address the importance of unity in his Commonwealth Day speech, calling on countries to come together in uncertain times, a message likely aimed at encouraging peace and cooperation in the face of global challenges.
At the same time, British officials have worked to maintain positive relations with Trump, emphasizing the U.K.’s strong ties with the U.S. A government spokesperson highlighted, “No two countries are as closely aligned as ours on economic, defense, security, and intelligence interests,” underscoring the importance of the U.S.-U.K. relationship.
While the King’s meetings with Zelensky and Trudeau may have bruised Trump’s ego, the invitation for his state visit to the U.K. remains in place. Sources close to Buckingham Palace suggest that it’s unlikely the invitation will be rescinded, as doing so would create significant diplomatic fallout with the White House. It’s possible that Trump and Charles will meet more informally in Scotland before a formal state visit is scheduled.
