Monarch’s reported plan aims to deepen ties with Trump-era America despite historic divide
King Charles III is reportedly preparing to offer the United States associate membership in the Commonwealth, in what would be a landmark move to strengthen UK–US relations amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Canada.
According to new reports, the proposal—first floated during Donald Trump's presidency—has been revived ahead of his anticipated state visit to the United Kingdom.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is said to have personally delivered an invitation from King Charles to Trump during a recent visit to the White House. The former U.S. president responded warmly, calling the monarch a “wonderful man” and saying it would be an “honour” to visit.
A member of the Royal Commonwealth Society revealed that plans to bring the U.S. into the Commonwealth as an associate member are "being discussed at the highest levels," describing it as a gesture that would symbolise “Britain’s close relationship with the US.”
“Donald Trump loves Britain and has great respect for the Royal Family, so we believe he would see the benefits of this,” the source added.
Despite America’s declaration of independence from Britain in 1776, its inclusion in the Commonwealth would not be unprecedented. Recent member states—Mozambique, Rwanda, Togo, and Gabon—joined without historical colonial ties to the British Empire.
If realised, the move would make the United States the 57th member of the Commonwealth, aligning it with one of the world’s oldest political alliances representing over 2.7 billion people.
