'It's sad': The U.S.-UK 'special relationship' sours ahead of royal visit to Washington
By Holly Ellyatt
Published on April 18, 2026.
The U.K. and the United States have had a "special relationship" since Winston Churchill coined the concept in 1946. However, President Donald Trump's policies, including tariffs, threats against Greenland, and the war against Iran, have strained old alliances with NATO allies. Trump has criticised NATO allies for not supporting military operations against Iran and singled out the UK, denigrating its military, domestic and foreign policies, and questioning its loyalty. As King Charles III and Queen Camilla prepare for a state visit to the U.S., Trump has warned that the UK's trade deal, which secured it a baseline 10% import tariff, could be revoked. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended his relationship with the White House, stating that he is not willing to yield on pressure from the government. The tensions between the two countries have led to uncertainty in the economy and the aftermath of the Iran war.
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