The unlikely royal Melania Trump has been a pen pal with for years

US First Lady Melania Trump is reportedly very fond of the British Royal Family. According to her memoir Melania, she has maintained a long-standing correspondence with King Charles III, which began after they first met in 2005.

Their friendship reportedly strengthened during Donald Trump’s visit to the UK in 2019. In a statement last year, Melania reflected on the relationship, saying, "As we bid farewell to Her Majesty, we extended a cordial invitation for her return visit to the United States. She expressed her gratitude with a warm smile. Sadly, Her Majesty wasn’t able to visit with us again before her death in 2022, but our friendship with the Royal Family continues, and we exchange letters with King Charles to this day."

While a visit has yet to be confirmed, reports suggest that King Charles and Queen Camilla could travel to the US this spring. The trip is expected to focus on reviving a key trade deal that had stalled during Donald Trump’s presidency. For more context on Trump’s recent international dealings and controversies, see this analysis of Trump’s alarming statements and discussion of his health and public appearances.

However, the potential visit has stirred controversy in the UK. Following Trump’s recent tariff threats over Greenland, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is facing increasing pressure to reconsider the King’s trip. All overseas royal travel is conducted under advice from the Foreign Office, not the Palace, leaving the government responsible for approving such visits. Reports suggest that some US observers also view Melania’s approach to diplomacy as measured compared to Trump’s public antics, as detailed in this body language analysis and coverage of her documentary.

Conservative backbencher Simon Hoare openly criticized Trump, calling him a "gangster pirate" and suggesting the King’s visit should be cancelled. His remarks come as Trump has reportedly alarmed NATO allies, warning that countries opposing an American move on Danish territory could face broad trade repercussions within weeks. Additional reporting on Trump’s global controversies and media interruptions can be found here and here.