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President Donald Trump On Friday, he signaled his willingness to consider an offer from King Charles To become part of the British Commonwealth, enhancing the connections between America and the United Kingdom.
"I'm fond of King Charles. That sounds fine with me!" Trump posted on his Truth Social account.
Trump was responding to an exclusive report in that the King would extend a covert proposal to the president, suggesting that the U.S. could potentially join as the next "associated member" of the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth, encompassing countries with a combined populace exceeding 2.7 billion, stands as one of the globe’s most seasoned intergovernmental organizations comprising various sovereign states.
Comprised of 56 member states, most of which were previously part of the British Empire, they maintain connections via their shared use of the English language and historical cultural links.
Joining is optional, and the organization primarily serves ceremonial purposes.
King Charles III serves as the leader of the Commonwealth.
The idea was initially suggested during Trump's first term, when Queen Elizabeth was still reigning, someone whom Trump greatly admired.
Currently, the British are reintroducing the idea of extending an invitation, hoping that the King might personally persuade Trump during the state visit planned for later this year, which will include both the President and First Lady coming to the UK.
The suggestions were put forward by the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) with what seems like support from Queen Elizabeth, during Trump’s initial presidency, yet they failed to materialize. Currently, these ideas have been brought back up again; RCS members are optimistic that the King might present them to Trump when they meet.
'A discussion about this is taking place at the very top,' said an RCS representative. 'This would be a fantastic step that would represent the strong bond between Britain and the United States.'
Donald Trump admires Britain and holds the Royal Family in high regard; thus, we think he would recognize the advantages of this proposal. Associative membership might lead to complete membership eventually, which could make the Commonwealth an even more significant global entity.
The source added: 'The Commonwealth serves as an excellent platform for addressing disputes among countries, and the King has demonstrated his innate ability to mediate peace.'
Trump has long been an admirer of the British royal family. Prime Minister Keir Starmer leveraged this during his recent visit to the White House.
Starmer hand-delivered the letter from the King during his meeting with Trump in the Oval Office.
In this invitation, the King extended a personal offer to Trump to undertake a state visit to the United Kingdom at some point later this year. This marks a uncommon second invitation for an American president. During his initial term, with Queen Elizabeth II reigning, Trump had already been granted such a state visit.
Trump brandished the letter before the cameras and dramatically accepted the invitation.
Inviting Canada to join the Commonwealth might also ease tensions within the country.
Trump has repeatedly said he wants to make Canada the 51st state. The country is part of the Commonwealth.
Discussion about changing positions has sparked significant tension and placed the King in an uncomfortable situation. Canada is among the 15 nations where he serves as head of state.
This week, he encountered Canada's newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney in London, an encounter that was widely seen as a sign of endorsement.
However, the royal family has also shown interest in Trump. Notably, Prince William had a meeting with him in Paris soon after Trump secured the 2024 election victory.
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