The art of royal diplomacy

When King Charles III arrived in Washington, DC for a four-day state visit, the optics were unmistakable. The ceremonial precision, the carefully orchestrated meetings and the quiet elegance of the visit reflected a tradition that has endured for centuries. Yet beyond the pageantry, there was something far more significant that unfolded – an exercise in influence that operates outside the usual boundaries of politics.

In today’s fast-moving geopolitical environment, diplomacy is no longer confined to formal negotiations or official communiqués. It is shaped just as much by perception, relationships and trust. This is where the British monarchy continues to play a uniquely effective role. King Charles III may not wield executive power, but his presence carries a different kind of authority – one rooted in continuity, symbolism and the ability to connect beyond politics.

And that, in a word, is the essence of royal diplomacy.

Unlike elected officials whose decisions are shaped by electoral cycles and domestic pressures, a monarch represents something more immutable and enduring. In a world where leadership can shift dramatically in a matter of years, King Charles stands as a symbol of stability and continuity. In Washington, where policy debates often reflect immediate concerns, this sense of permanence offers a refreshing contrast.

I was reminded of this continuity on a personal level. As a young news reporter, I saw – and briefly met – then Prince Charles in 1975 during the coronation of King Birendra of Nepal in Kathmandu. Decades later, watching him as king on his visit to Washington, I witnessed not just the passage of time, but the steady evolution of a role shaped by duty, discipline and an unmistakable sense of purpose.

During his visit, the British monarch engaged not only with political leaders but also with a broader cross-section of American society. These interactions reinforced the idea that diplomacy is not solely conducted between governments, but also between peoples. Shared values – democracy, rule of law and economic cooperation – remain central to this engagement along with environmental stewardship, an issue that has long been associated with King Charles for over five decades.

The strength of royal diplomacy lies in its subtlety. It does not impose or pressure. Instead, it persuades through presence and builds influence through familiarity, complementing traditional diplomacy by opening doors that might otherwise remain closed.

There is also great strategic advantage in the neutrality that a monarch embodies. In a very polarized global landscape, the ability to engage without the baggage of political positioning is invaluable. King Charles’ interactions in Washington carried this quiet neutrality, enabling dialogue across a wide spectrum of stakeholders who received the British royals with warmth.

For the United States and the United Kingdom, the visit (considering that the US is celebrating its 250th year of independence from British rule) reaffirmed a long-standing alliance that continues to evolve in response to new global challenges – especially at this time when the war in Iran has put a strain on the relations between the White House and Downing Street. From economic cooperation to security concerns, the transatlantic partnership remains a cornerstone of international stability.

What stood out most for many, as well as my diplomat colleagues and I, was how seamlessly tradition was used to advance modern objectives. The visit was not about nostalgia; it was about relevance.

For countries like the Philippines, navigating an increasingly complex and challenging international landscape requires not only strategic clarity but also an appreciation for the softer dimensions of diplomacy. We may not have a monarchy, but we possess our own sources of influence – our democratic institutions, our culture and our people.

Just like with the United States, this year also marks the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United Kingdom. This relationship was elevated further via a landmark Joint Framework for the Enhanced Partnership signed in March 2025 to boost collaboration on defense and regional security, trade and investment, technology as well as climate and environment. An estimated 200,000 Filipinos work and live in the UK – recognized as one of the biggest Filipino diasporas in Europe – with most of them engaged in the health care sector, along with engineering and information technology.

Our diaspora plays a powerful role in shaping perceptions and strengthening ties across borders. Filipinos serve as informal ambassadors, building bridges through their contributions and values. This form of soft power can significantly enhance our diplomatic efforts.

At the same time, our leadership has become more visible on the global stage. There is an opportunity to project not only our interests but also our identity as a nation committed to cooperation and resilience.

Diplomacy today demands more than policy expertise. It requires narrative – the ability to create connections that endure and inspire confidence among partners.

King Charles III’s visit to Washington illustrates how influence can be exercised without overt displays of power, and how relationships can be strengthened through symbolism and continuity.

As the Philippines continues to assert its role in the international community, we must strengthen our formal diplomatic channels while investing in the intangible elements that give them impact: credibility, consistency and human connection.

After all, diplomacy is not only about what is achieved in meeting rooms. It is about the impressions formed, the trust built and the goodwill generated over time.

As the Philippines steps more confidently onto the global stage, we would do well to remember that diplomacy is not only about what we negotiate, but how we are perceived. And sometimes, the most enduring influence is exercised not loudly – but gracefully.

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