King Charles and Donald Trump spent two days together as part of the King and Queen Camilla’s 4-day state visit to the U.S. They appeared on several outings together; however, one that didn’t occur was the traditional live press conference in the Oval Office. It wasn’t a coincidence, as King Charles ordered it to be behind closed doors for one reason.

King Charles and Queen Camilla’s trip to the U.S was not only for a good time. As they were invited by President Donald Trump, the trip also aims to mend relations between the countries.

Still, although King Charles was on a diplomatic mission, that didn’t mean he would be talking politics.

The Royal Family is known for not speaking out about political matters, as their role is very different. During the U.S visit, King Charles addressed the U.S Congress, for example, speaking about the situation in Ukraine.

Both President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have criticized Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelenskyy for not trying to end the war, although they have stated that he was forced to give up land to Russia, and has opposed sending more money to help against the aggressor.

King Charles U.S visit
Moreover, Trump has threatened to leave NATO and has criticized his European allies for not helping the U.S in Iran. Meanwhile, during his speech at Congress, King Charles reminded the president of what Europe did after 9/11.

“This year, of course, also marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11. This atrocity was a defining moment for America and your pain and shock were felt around the whole world. During my visit to New York, my wife and I will again pay our respects to the victims, the families, and the bravery shown in the face of terrible loss. We stood with you then. And we stand with you now in solemn remembrance of a day that shall never be forgotten,” King Charles said.

“In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, when NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time, and the United Nations Security Council was united in the face of terror, we answered the call together – as our people have done so for more than a century, shoulder to shoulder, through two World Wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan and moments that have defined our shared security,” he continued.

As heads of state visit the president in the White House, President Trump has always held a live broadcast press conference from the Oval Office. However, it has not always been pretty. For example, last year, Donald Trump and JD Vance lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and others have also been hit from the blindside by Trump.

King Charles ‘forced’ Trump into closed-door meeting
When King Charles arrived in Washington, the traditional Oval Office press conference didn’t take place. Why?

Per The Guardian, British officials pushed for the Oval Office meeting between the monarch and the U.S. president to be held off camera, as they feared a repeat of the scenes when Trump lashed out at Volodymyr Zelenskyy in front of the world’s press.

Under British royal decorum, King Charles is expected to avoid debates about ongoing political issues. Therefore, it was probably reasonable not to risk being put on the spot by the U.S President in front of the cameras.