King Charles warned against touring the United States amid war in Middle East

King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to visit Washington and New York, United States, next month. But a war in Iran, which has spread to the Middle East, has led to calls for the monarchs to delay their visit.

Sir Westmacott, a former British ambassador with 40 years of experience, is the latest figure to add his voice to the chorus.

"I personally think that at the moment, while this war is continuing, it is problematic. The United States government is conducting a war, which the British government initially thought was clearly illegal," the former UK ambassador in Washington told The Times podcast.

He continued, “Both the prime minister and I imagine the palace will be asking themselves, ‘What does British public opinion really feel about this?' How will a state visit to the United States at this time be perceived? How will it be felt?"

"Is this indicative of the King … endorsing what the president of the United States is doing?’ While this goes on, that must be a matter for discussion.”

However, Sir Westmacott – instead of cancelling the visit – suggested that it be postponed.

“It is too important a relationship for us to mess with and to risk antagonising a somewhat thin-skinned president.”

In addition, Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to cancel Charles's visit to the US due to the war in the Middle East.

“At a time when Trump has launched an illegal war that is devastating the Middle East and pushing up energy bills for British families, it’s clear this visit should not go ahead,” he concluded.