London, August 2025 – An ex-royal household employee has provided insight into one of the greatest diplomatic mysteries: why King Charles III has consistently declined to host former U.S. President Donald Trump at Buckingham Palace.
As per an insider who spoke on condition of anonymity, King Charles II’s hesitation stems from protocol issues, personal values and any memories from their interactions during Queen Elizabeth II’s rule with President Trump’s administration.
Protocol and Image Concerns
Ex-employees revealed that King Charles views state visits as opportunities to reinforce Britain’s global image of stability and diplomacy, thus making Trump hosting potentially detrimental to maintaining monarchy neutrality.
Charles has always been wary of associating himself or the Crown with individuals whose views divide public opinion,” according to one former staffer. “He believes the monarchy must rise above partisan politics, and Donald Trump doesn’t fit that principle.”
Tensions From the Past
Sources have also noted uncomfortable moments during President Donald Trump’s 2019 state visit hosted by Queen Elizabeth II (deceased). While ceremonies went as scheduled, according to insider accounts several senior royals such as Prince Charles felt uneasy with Trump’s dismissive attitude toward protocol and seemed uncomfortable with how Trump approached it.
“Charles remembers how difficult his first year was,” according to an ex-employee of Charles. “There were breaches of etiquette such as walking ahead of Queen Elizabeth or making comments regarding climate change–an issue which has been at the core of King Charles’ efforts for so many years. These events left an indelible mark.”
Climate and Values Clash
Beyond proper manners, the former employee underlined an essential conflict in values between King Charles and Trump. While King Charles has long advocated for environmental protection and sustainable development causes often supported by Trump (like rolling back climate agreements or questioning global warming), Trump often dismisses them.
Charles views climate change not simply as politics but as a moral obligation, according to an insider. To invite anyone who openly undermined these concerns would send the wrong signal about his reign, they noted.
Combining Diplomacy and Principle
Even during times of increased tensions at Buckingham Palace, diplomatic courtesy has been maintained. While officially, Buckingham Palace notes that invitations for state visits are extended by government advice rather than directly by Charles, one former employee insists his personal influence has played a critical role in ensuring Trump has not returned for an official visit since leaving office.
“Prince Charles won’t publicly criticise former U.S. presidents like Barack Obama,” an insider claimed, “but by withholding Buckingham’s platform he is signaling his boundaries — upholding tradition while protecting the integrity of the Crown.”
So Far, No Response
So far, neither the Palace or Trump’s team have directly addressed the incident. Analysts suggest Charles’ strategy might reflect his aim of maintaining balance in his reign: between ceremonial duties and upholding personal convictions while remaining non-polarizing as monarch.
Buckingham Palace remains closed to Donald Trump, according to an ex-employee’s assessment, and this appears unlikely to change anytime soon. “It is not about personal dislike; rather it is about safeguarding monarchy values – Charles sees hosting Trump as being at risk to this mission he wants to maintain – thus it is too great a risk a risk he is willing to take.”