The King taking centre stage amid Britain’s political drama with the accompanying crowns, carriages, plumes and tiaras of the State Opening of Parliament has ensured media coverage in the US.
While President Donald Trump’s high-profile visit to China against the backdrop of the Iran conflict might be topping much of the news agenda stateside, the crisis at the top of the UK Government has not gone unnoticed, helped in no small measure by the theatre of British tradition and royalty, which continues to be a big draw for an American audience.
The transatlantic reports make for no less grim reading for Sir Keir Starmer as he battles for his political life in the wake of last week’s heavy local election losses.
The New York Times carried the understated headline: “King’s Speech Comes At An Awkward Time For Starmer”.
It points out that the monarch was reading out the legislative agenda of a Prime Minister who may not get the chance to enact it as he faces a Labour revolt.
Meanwhile, the Washington Post noted Charles set out the Government’s future plans as Sir Keir’s “job hangs in the balance”, amid “rising discontent” within his own party.
In a variation on a familiar theme, ABC News reported the King laid out the Government’s agenda “as Starmer clings to job”.
In its coverage, CBS noted Sir Keir has vowed to fight on but pointed out the future may not be in his hands as parliamentary colleagues turn on him.
In addition to the recent drubbing at the polls, the broadcaster highlighted that the Prime Minister had been “bruised” over his appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, despite his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
CBS also pointed to the criticism levelled at Sir Keir by the US president over his reluctance to support the Iran war, describing him as “no Winston Churchill”.
NBC News said the King’s Speech was given “as Westminster is rife with rumour over the Prime Minister’s future”.
Its report also noted Sir Keir’s “disastrous decision” to appoint Lord Mandelson and the subsequent arrest of the disgraced peer, who has denied any wrongdoing.
It said the scandal had “badly weakened” the Prime Minister and also highlighted the “ridicule” he has faced at the hands of Mr Trump and his mockery on Saturday Night Live UK.
NBC pointed out the UK had “churned” through six prime ministers in the last 10 years during “a period of unprecedented political chaos” and could soon be looking for a seventh.
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