On 5 November, Donald Trump was re-elected president. This is his last chance to prove himself. He can’t run for a third term because the Constitution says presidents can only serve two terms. World leaders congratulated the controversial president-elect, including Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni, Benjamin Netanyahu, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Justin Trudeau, and Shigeru Ishiba. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said via Associated Press: “The UK and US will keep working together to protect our shared values.” But another well-known figure in the UK has stayed quiet. King Charles has yet to react on social media. Maybe Melania Trump’s comments about Charles have been exaggerated.

The king is just following the usual rules. The British outlet Jersey Evening Post says that, rather than sending congratulations when the poll results are announced, a monarch is expected to offer them to an American president on their inauguration day. These greetings are usually private. 

This policy may also apply to the heir. Prince William has stayed silent on the historic win despite being busy. On election day, he was in South Africa presenting an Earthshot Prize.

The Trumps and the palace get on well. The US and UK have had good relations for decades. There’s no reason to think this will change during a second Donald Trump presidency. He’s had a few awkward moments with the royals. Trump tried to walk in front of Queen Elizabeth during a state visit. The Daily Mail says a biographer said the Queen found Trump “very rude” because he looked past her during their conversations. Trump and Queen Elizabeth got on well in public. They were unlikely to break off relations over a few mistakes.

There have been other mistakes. Trump once made a crude remark about Princess Diana in a radio interview. This was unwise as many still love the ‘People’s Princess.’ In 2012, he scolded Kate Middleton on X (formerly Twitter) for sunbathing topless. Charles and his sons, William and Harry, were angry.

King Charles and Queen Camilla will still welcome the former president at least once during his second term. It’s more important to keep relations strong than to dwell on feelings. Trump can then look for a note of congratulations from the UK.