Prince William’s Meeting With Donald Trump Showed the Royal Family Treading Softly in Politics

The royal family is supposed to remain neutral when it comes to politics, but they’ve been wading into the hot topic over the last few years. It’s a sign of shifting traditions after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and Prince William seems eager to lead the way with the palace’s idea of soft diplomacy.

The Prince of Wales was spotted in Paris on Saturday with Donald Trump, the president-elect who will officially be in office on Jan. 20, 2025. According to The Telegraph, William’s trip for the Notre Dame Cathedral reopening was a “hastily arranged diplomatic mission” because there is so much “at stake” with a second Donald Trump administration.

The U.K. wants to continue its “special relationship” with the U.S., a royal source explained while also noting that William was “extremely comfortable” with his task at hand. As The Telegraph noted, the U.K. government is “acutely aware of the potential pitfalls of the coming presidency” with Donald Trump and that’s why a royal representative was key.

Donald Trump has a soft spot for the royal family, so William’s presence was likely a warm welcome for the incoming president. After the election results in November, iNews reported that many countries were nervous about Donald Trump’s “promise to shake up the world order.” This particularly pertains to his stance on Russia’s war against Ukraine and how it will impact Europe. There have been plans to use King Charles III’s “soft power” to stay on the controversial politician’s good side.

Evie Aspinall, director of the British Foreign Policy Group, told the media outlet that leaning into Donald Trump’s ego is a solid idea. “Donald Trump, he loves family, he loves the pomp of the monarchy, and I think that’s an exciting way for him to feel important,” she explained. “Being seen to be recognized by the Royal Family is something, I think, that he would like.”

While Queen Elizabeth might not have approved of this political strategy, the royal family has always been a part of politics whether they want to acknowledge it or not. With King Charles III and William stepping deeper into international relations, they will have to figure out a balance that doesn’t get them into hot water over controversial issues and leaders. It’s a part of modernizing the monarchy that is going to be tricky, especially as global politics become a more contentious landscape.

Before you go, click here to see every time Queen Elizabeth has met the US Presidents!

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