How monarchs made the Anglo-American relationship special

After the pomp and pageantry of President Trump’s visit to Windsor Castle on his second State Visit to the UK, there are valuable lessons to be drawn from the rich history of the special relationship. Having both worked in the Royal Household communications team during previous US State Visits and royal visits to America, we have witnessed this transatlantic friendship in action at close quarters.

As co-curators of a photographic exhibition currently displayed at the UK Foreign Office, showcasing the Royal Family’s historic relationship with the United States, we are uniquely positioned to explore what this enduring partnership can teach us about the future of Anglo-American relations. Three themes stand out: even throughout conflict, friendships endure; the relationship must continue to evolve to meet the challenges of each era; and beyond the politics of Westminster and Washington, the Royal Family has consistently played an integral role in maintaining the special relationship.

This story is demonstrated through the lens of four monarchs who have fundamentally shaped its trajectory throughout history. King George III, who reigned from 1760 to 1820, presided over the loss of the American Colonies during the War of Independence (also known as the American Revolution) from 1775 to 1783, which claimed over 50,000 lives. What followed could have been decades of hostility and antagonism. Instead, it is remarkable how swiftly both nations forged a new pathway toward friendship.

When John Adams became the first American ambassador to Britain in February 1785, King George III himself demonstrated this spirit of reconciliation, declaring: “I was the last to consent to the Separation, but the Separation having been made and having become inevitable, I have always said, as I say now, that I would be the first to meet the Friendship of the United States as an independent Power.” Apart from the short-lived War of 1812, that friendship has endured ever since.

King George VI holds the distinction of being the first British monarch to visit the United States during their reign, though his grandfather (later Edward VII) had visited as Prince of Wales in 1860. His historic June 1939 trip came at the invitation of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the warm relationship these two leaders forged sent a powerful message against the backdrop of rising fascism and the looming threat of war in Europe.

The visit included memorable moments that have become part of diplomatic folklore: a trip to Mount Vernon aboard the presidential yacht and the famous hot dog lunch at FDR’s holiday retreat, Top Cottage. Historians trace the very origins of the “special relationship” that has characterised Anglo-American relations for decades to this royal visit.

Queen Elizabeth II met 13 US Presidents during her remarkable 70-year reign (Lyndon Johnson being the sole exception). Her relationship with America began in 1951 when, as Princess Elizabeth, she and Prince Philip were greeted by President Truman and his wife at the airport, before driving through Washington as 600,000 people lined the route. Truman was utterly charmed, famously remarking: “When I was a little boy, I read about a fairy princess, and there she is.”

As Queen, Elizabeth made eleven visits to the United States, including landmark trips to mark the 350th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement (1957) and the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence (1976). Her engagements ranged from formal addresses to Congress in 1991 to more relaxed moments, such as attending a baseball game during the same visit.

President Trump’s visit to Windsor Castle evoked memories of previous presidents hosted there, notably Ronald Reagan, who memorably rode with the Queen in the castle grounds in 1982. The longevity of the Queen’s reign meant that not only for the British and other Commonwealth nations, but for many Americans too, she came to symbolise stability and continuity in an ever-changing world.

King Charles III, who ascended to the throne in 2022, brings his own deep connection to America, having visited the United States on no fewer than 20 occasions since his first trip in 1970 as President Nixon’s guest. He has met 10 of the 14 Presidents who have served since his birth in 1948.

Recent events demonstrate the King’s commitment to maintaining close communication between the Royal Family and the US presidency. When the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, hand-delivered the King’s personal letter of invitation to President Trump during his White House visit in February, it provided a platform for the further flourishing of Anglo-American relations. Last week’s State Visit represented the culmination of these royal and presidential efforts.

These four monarchs offer valuable insights into the evolution of the special relationship. First, even the most acrimonious conflicts can give way to lasting friendship. As one respected royal commentator observed at the launch of our Foreign Office exhibition, “it’s been a hell of a divorce”. Queen Elizabeth II herself captured this transformation in her televised Christmas broadcast: “The United States was born in bitter conflict with Britain but we didn’t remain enemies for long. From our reconciliation came incalculable benefits to mankind.”

Second, the relationship has continuously evolved to meet changing times. While military cooperation dominated the first half of the twentieth century, today’s partnership centres more on technology and artificial intelligence. The Tech Prosperity Deal formed a significant pillar of this visit, with US giants Microsoft, Google, Blackstone and Nvidia announcing substantial investments in the UK.

Finally, while political relations are conducted between Presidents and Prime Ministers, the Royal Family has played an indispensable role in fostering the spirit of friendship and alliance that underpins the formal diplomatic framework.

President Trump’s State Visit represented the latest chapter in this long and positive story between the Royal Family and the United States. Looking ahead to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the special relationship is not only secure, but appears set to flourish for generations to come.

Zaki Cooper and Nick Loughran are Co-Curators of an exhibition on the Royal Family and the USA at the UK Foreign Office, and Co-Founders of Integra.

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