A year before the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it was a move that few expected but now it appears America’s big birthday party could be the backdrop for a surprise event. US President, Donald Trump, is apparently considering Commonwealth membership.
It’s been suggested that the United States become an associate member of the Commonwealth – the voluntary association of nations that work for shared goals of democracy and peace. It’s often described as a family, with King Charles at its head, and now it could be about to get a new relation.
The Royal Commonwealth Society, an independent charity, is looking at ways to invite the US to apply for associate membership of the Commonwealth itself.
Donald Trump responded to reports by sharing a link to the story from The Sun newspaper on his Truth Social account along with a very positive message which read ”I Love King Charles. Sounds good to me!”
King Charles became Head of the Commonwealth on September 8th 2022 on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The position isn’t hereditary but several years earlier, members of the Commonwealth had agreed to the role passing to Charles III when he succeeded to the throne.
The Commonwealth currently has 56 members, many of them previously ruled by the UK as part of the British Empire. However, several have no ties to the Empire including the four most recent members. All 56 are full members of the Commonwealth – the difference between that status and associate membership isn’t clear.
While King Charles is Head of the Commonwealth, he has no constitutional role as such. He is also King of 15 Commonwealth Realms but that is different from his position as Head of the Commonwealth.
As Commonwealth Head, he is responsible for reinforcing the links by which the Commonwealth joins people together from around the world.
