Ben Judah: Reflecting on the State Visit to Washington…
Reflecting on the State Visit to Washington, there are only really two interesting things left to say about it. The first is to note the Royal Family’s rising importance in our diplomacy since the death of Elizabeth II. This is because of the rise of two sets of politicians: Gulf monarchs who view a relationship with the Royal family as part of their identity and pedigree and Trump and his acolytes. In all these encounters the King genuinely matters diplomatically. This has only increased as the political carousel has spun out of control with annual foreign secretaries and biennale Prime Ministers. The second is to note the extraordinary and rising power the King’s Private Secretary has — effectively the King in Whitehall — on all such matters and how these encounters are shaped. Truly the apex of Civil Service power and anonymity that role — entirely beyond Foreign Office influence, let alone an elected official’s scrutiny. I think those roles, with their curious heritage allowances, are by far the most desirable left in the system.
https://x.com/b_judah/status/2048487019987537963?s=20