Keir Starmer defies King Charles's major concern and brings Trump UK state visit forward

Sir Keir Starmer has gone against the wishes of the reigning monarch in bringing President Trump's state visit forward, despite King Charles's concerns over threats to Canada. The UK and America are expected to confirm that Donald Trump's state visit will take place in September.

Going against the original proposal for an earlier informal visit outlined by the King, Starmer has wanted a full "bells and whistles" visit for the American president who has a fascination with the Royal Family. The Times reports the "manu regia", the formal document required to initiate a state visit, was delivered to the White House last week.

It comes at a time when there are concerns, after Donald Trump has repeatedly said, Canada could become the 51st state of the US.

The Times reports one senior source said that a senior Palace aide had told government officials that the King did not want to host Trump with a state visit while the president was "impugning his sovereignty" over Canada.

Senior government sources said the King wanted to have a state visit later in Trump's second term, hoping the issue could be resolved beforehand.

It comes as reports state Starmer has refused to say whether he has privately urged Trump to dial down his rhetoric on Canada.

The King pointed out that a second state visit by a US president was unprecedented, adding: "That is why I would find it helpful for us to be able to discuss, together, a range of options."

However, a palace aide also said: "His Majesty has known President Trump for many years and looks forward to hosting him and the first lady later this year."

Mark Carney, Canada's prime minister, has said his country is "not impressed" with Britain's invitation to Trump. The King delivered a coded rebuke to Trump during a speech at the opening of the Canadian parliament in Ottawa and referencing the Canadian national anthem, the King said that "The True North is indeed strong and free".

It has been reported in the Times a source close to the King denied any suggestion that there had been a disagreement or any discord between the Palace and Downing Street over the visit. A Palace source pointed out that all state visits were conducted on the government's advice.

It comes as Prince Edward will undertake a seven-day visit to Canada from June 25 to July 2 with engagements spanning Prince Edward Island, Toronto and Ottawa.