The Scoop: Royal family could be key messenger to Trump White House

With Donald Trump set to return to Washington, D.C. early next year, the royal family may become one of England’s most important ambassadors to the United States, even if in an unofficial capacity.

The crown may be a “useful weapon in Britain’s campaign to keep the president-elect’s affections,” the New York Times reported, noting that England’s left-of-center Prime Minister Keir Starmer, may find himself at political odds with the Trump administration.

On Saturday, Trump met with Prince William, after both attended the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Beyond gushing over the prince’s appearance, Trump also inquired about the health of King Charles and Catherine, the ​​Princess of Wales.

Trump’s affection for the royal family has long existed. The Times piece highlighted a 2019 afternoon tea meeting where the U.S. president-elect met Charles, who was then the Prince of Wales.

“The thinking among British diplomats was that the 70-something heir to the throne would be a good partner for the 70-something heir to a real estate fortune,” the report reads. “But the British were on to something in trying to deepen the personal ties between Mr. Trump and the royal family. He already regarded Queen Elizabeth II, the king’s mother, with a reverence bordering on awe.

Trump’s affection for the Windsors is “palpable,” the Times reported. And that connection could be important if Starmer looks to move Britain into closer alignment with the European Union, which Trump discouraged in the past.

“Britain’s relationship could become much more strained with the United States,” Ed Owens, a royal historian, told the Times. “You could see them using the monarchy strategically to maintain as warm relations as possible while continuing the process of rehabilitating the relationship with Europe.”

Why it matters: Relationships matter, whether it’s the Prince of Wales and Donald Trump or a PR person and a top-tier news outlet reporter.

Knowing a reporter won’t guarantee a Times placement or a spot on a major podcast. But it will likely get them to take your call, answer your email or respond to your text. And there’s value in that.

Having relationships gets people to the table and may keep them there longer than they would have otherwise.

In an era of AI and emails, it’s easy to forget that public relations is ultimately a service industry focused on people.

Try to remember that being a quality PR person starts with being a nice person to talk to – whether it’s about your position on the European Union or the health of your father.

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Casey Weldon is a reporter for PR Daily. Follow him on LinkedIn.