King Charles III is heading to Washington for his first visit as King next week.

Their whole address lawmakers and also be honored with a state dinner with President Donald Trump.

The King's visit comes at a delicate moment in the relationship, in addition to global upheaval caused by the war in Iran and Trump's

threats to abandon NATO. There's the issue of Jeffrey Epstein, with whom Charles's brother,

formerly known as Prince Andrew, was affiliated. The king's mother, Queen Elizabeth II,

was known for her soft diplomacy and her ability to steady relationships with American presidents,

even in moments of crisis. Now the question is whether Charles can do the same.

Hello and welcome to USA Today's The Exert. I'm Dana Taylor. Today is Wednesday, April 22nd,

2026. Joining me to share her insights on the special

relationship between the King and Trump is USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page. It's always

good to have you on, Susan. Dana, it's great to be back. Susan, let's start big picture.

What's at stake with the King's visit and why now?

There's quite a lot at stake. This is a very difficult moment for the U.S.-British relationship.

It may be the most perilous time since the Suez crisis in 1956, which was a big breach in the relations between the two countries.

We have differences over the war in Iran, over the future of NATO.

So this will be a test for King Charles, his first visit to the United States since being

crowned.

You know, Dana, in a way, it reminds me of Queen Elizabeth's first visit to the United States as queen.

That was right after the Suez crisis.

Relations between the two countries were terrible.

She came, had a very successful visit with President Eisenhower, and suddenly the Suez Crisis was no longer such a big deal between the two countries.

I know that Great Britain is hoping for something like that to happen this time around.

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