Calls to cancel Trump visit to UK put queen in tough spot
LONDON — Growing calls to cancel President Donald Trump’s state visit to Britain have put Queen Elizabeth II — who would host the U.S. president — in a difficult position.
In Britain’s constitutional monarchy, the queen invites foreign leaders to state visits — regarded as a great honour — on the advice of Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
In this case, it was the prime minister, Theresa May, who extended the invitation to Trump on the queen’s behalf just days after Trump assumed office. While no date has yet been set for the visit, both governments say the state visit is still on.
It would be extremely awkward for the queen to rescind the invitation, and there is no indication the Foreign Office wishes her to do so.