King Charles's Tour of U.S. Hinges on Cancer Recovery
The initial reports of a planned visit to the U.S. emerged from Daily Mirror royal correspondent Russell Myers, considered a well-respected and well-sourced journalist in royal circles.
However, a palace official quickly disputed Myers's claims, telling the Daily Beast that no plans or even preliminary discussions have taken place regarding a U.S. trip—not even for 2026.
According to the source, America is not currently on the royal calendar, and there is 'no formal invitation' in the books.
The source added there was, therefore, no intel to share 'beyond the usual position that there remains, as ever, a willingness to travel when and where required subject to the normal process and diary prioritization review—none of which has been undertaken, still less approved, for 2026.'
A friend of the king and queen's told The Royalist that while Charles would be keen in principle to participate in any UK charm offensive toward President Trump, 'any such plans remain entirely contingent on his ongoing cancer treatment.'
The friend added that Queen Camilla's wishes would also have to be considered, pointing out that she has been fighting an 'extremely nasty bout' of pneumonia following the couple's last royal tour to Samoa.
That said, sources acknowledge that King Charles would be open to visiting the U.S. if invited but stressed that such visits only occur at the request and discretion of the British government. This is a well-established protocol to ensure royal visits serve diplomatic rather than personal purposes. While the monarch does have some input, they ultimately act at the behest of government officials as dictated by the constitutional monarchy's structure.
There is no doubt that the UK wants to maintain strong ties with President Donald Trump, who has frequently expressed admiration for the British royal family.
At this stage, sources emphasize that no official steps have been taken to arrange a trip.
The other inconvenient fact is that while the palace won't say it, and the British press does not report it much, the critical factor overshadowing all plans and discussions remains the king's health. One person who is realistic about the situation is, of course, Charles himself. During his visit to Samoa last year, Charles made a rare and candid remark expressing his hope that he would 'survive' long enough to return—comments that left Queen Camilla visibly emotional.
Meanwhile, Trump has continued to voice his strong opinions on the royal family, recently renewing his criticism of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Last week, he described Markle as 'terrible' and expressed sympathy for Harry, claiming he felt so sorry for him and had decided not to deport him.
Charles makes secret ballet visit
On the bright side, the royal cancer treatment appears to be going well. Charles was well enough this week to make a private trip to the Royal Ballet on Monday night, having traveled to Cornwall earlier in the day. He stayed for the whole show and spent half an hour afterward talking to vast and crew, a source tells the Daily Beast.
'He seemed to be in perfect health,' a source who spent time with the king on Monday told The Royalist.
However, there is no denying the plain fact that he is still having weekly radiotherapy and that his ongoing battle with cancer remains a crucial consideration for any and all future royal engagements.
The crazy Valentine's Day war
The most amusing royal story of the week was undoubtedly the hilarious contest between Harry and Meghan and Prince William and Kate to be the more authentic owner of Valentine's Day.
Just hours after Prince William and Kate Middleton broke with royal convention by taking to social media to mark Valentine's Day with a peck on the cheek that Queen Victoria might have complained was a bit chaste, Markle posted a picture of herself locking lips with Prince Harry over a glass of wine and lunch.
Markle's full-on smooch was a vivid reminder of her disdain for the royal reserve.
Sussex kids stepping up
Meghan and Harry seem increasingly ready to allow their kids to step into the limelight. Also on Valentine's Day, Meghan posted a video of her and her kids making strawberry sweet treats (although we only saw them from behind).
She posted the video set to the tune of the Nat King Cole classic 'L-O-V-E.'
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