King Charles is preparing to offer the United States associate membership in the Commonwealth during Donald Trump's upcoming state visit to Britain, sources have claimed.
The proposal, initially considered during Trump's first term as president, has now been revived.
Sir Keir Starmer personally delivered an invitation from the King to Trump at the White House last month, inviting him for an unprecedented second state visit.
The American President described the monarch as a "beautiful man, a wonderful man" and said it would be an "honour" to visit.
King Charles set for bold move to 'bring USA into Commonwealth' during Trump’s state visit
Getty
Plans for the USA to become the next "associate member" of the Commonwealth are "being discussed at the highest levels," according to a Royal Commonwealth Society member.
"It would be a wonderful move that would symbolise Britain's close relationship with the US," the source told the Mail.
They added: "Donald Trump loves Britain and has great respect for the Royal Family, so we believe he would see the benefits of this."
The Commonwealth, one of the world's oldest political associations of states, has its roots in the British Empire and comprises nations with a total population exceeding 2.7 billion.
Keir Starmer showed Donald Trump a letter from King Charles inviting him to the UKPAAmerica's declaration of independence from Britain in 1776 would not prevent it from becoming the 57th member of the organisation.
The last four countries to join - Mozambique, Rwanda, Togo and Gabon - have no historical links with the British Empire.
This underscores the Commonwealth's evolution into a voluntary organisation of independent and equal states.
The move could help ease tensions between the White House and Canada, of which King Charles is head of state.
King Charles and Donald Trump photographed together in 2019GettyTrump's regular talk of turning Canada into America's 51st state has created significant friction and placed the monarch in an awkward position.
Canada is one of 15 countries where Charles serves as head of state.
The King recently met new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in London, which many interpreted as a show of support.
"The Commonwealth is also a great forum for resolving differences between nations, and the King has shown that he is a natural peacemaker," the source added.
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PAWhen the Royal Commonwealth Society wrote to Trump in 2017, the letter was delivered by Nigel Farage, who was the first British politician to meet Trump after his 2016 election victory.
The society's then director, Michael Lake, said opening a Commonwealth branch in the US would help the two nations "find imaginative ways" to work together.
GB News has contacted a spokesman for the Royal Commonwealth Society for comment.
If successful, associate membership could potentially be followed by full membership, further enhancing the Commonwealth's global significance.
