• UK government hit with last-minute ‘wobble’ over US tour
• Source involved in planning reveals surprising details about tensions
• Government officials cite key reason for delay, next phase of plans
  

King Charles and Queen Camilla had reportedly had been preparing for an important trip across the pond when an unexpected turn of events brought it all to a sudden halt last-minute.

Last year, the royal family had hosted US President Donald Trump for an unprecedented second state visit, with full pomp and circumstance, as per the request of the UK government.

There had been reports that preparations were already underway as the White House had sent an official invite to Buckingham Palace. Charles and Camilla were due to fly to Washington D.C. at the end of the month for a three-day visit, which would have coincided with the 250th anniversary celebrations for America.

However, now according to a DailyMail report, the trip is being delayed after the US-Iran conflict broke out last week.

The UK government is responsible to sign off the plans, there had been a last-minute “wobble”, per a Whitehall source involved with the planning of the trip.

“The plans were first put on pause in early February. Apart from everything else, there has been a noticeable lack of progress on the technology-related trade deals which were agreed during Trump’s visit,” the source said.

Trump had described Keir Starmer as ‘not Winston Churchill’ for initially refusing to get involved in the conflict, which led to the latest setback. Senior government officials believe that the trip should be postponed until the tensions have subsided.

The source also noted that the “pomp and ceremony” would feel “incongruous and insensitive” during such a critical time.

Duchess Sophie brought her royal presence on on March 5, to Hever Castle Ltd for a pivotal DEBRA UK event tackling epidermolysis bullosa (EB). 

EB is a rare skin condition where even the gentlest touch can cause the skin to blister and tear.

As Patron of the charity, the Duchess joined 25 of the world’s leading specialists in EB, dermatology, paediatrics, pharmacology, and reconstructive surgery for the inaugural two-day EB Global Taskforce. 

The gathering focused on accelerating the development of groundbreaking treatments and shaping the charity’s forthcoming Global EB Strategy, set for release in April 2026.

Speaking to the assembled experts, Sophie in lilac coat praised their dedication and vision.

 “There is the passion and drive evident in the expertise in this room to truly make a difference,” she said. 

“It will take innovative thinking, bold ideas, and strategic creativity that can be the catalyst for the change that is so desperately needed.”

DEBRA UK shared highlights from the historic event on Instagram, thanking the Duchess for her guidance and support. 

“Yesterday at the historic @hever_castle, The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO, our Charity Patron, joined medical experts for our inaugural two-day EB Global Taskforce,” the post read with a heart emoji.