“This is the only way I can send a message to both Trump and Starmer that they cannot close their eyes and wish this away,” he added.
Accusations of “Disrespect” Toward the King
Not everyone has welcomed Davey’s boycott. UK Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel condemned the move as “an act of deep disrespect to His Majesty the King,” calling it “appalling judgement” at a time when the United States remains Britain’s closest ally and largest security partner. “Ed Davey has proved he is not a serious leader,” she argued, accusing him of being “more interested in pathetic gesture politics.”
In response, a Liberal Democrat spokesperson defended Davey, insisting the decision was not made lightly and that he “deeply respects the King.” Davey himself also clarified his position in an interview with the BBC, stressing that he meant “no disrespect” to Charles and had even written to the monarch personally to explain his reasoning.
A Visit Under Scrutiny
The controversy underscores how divisive Trump’s visit remains in the UK. While the official itinerary is still set to go ahead, the political fallout has already begun, with Davey’s boycott positioning him as one of the most high-profile figures to openly refuse the royal invitation.
