King Charles III appears to have won a major climb down from President Donald Trump in what will be seen in U.K. politics as a victory for the soft power of the British Monarchy.

Trump made outspoken comments last week suggesting he could not be sure whether European NATO allies would be there for America when needed.

However, he later backtracked, acknowledging the sacrifice of the 457 British soldiers who died in Afghanistan, after his comments caused outrage in Britain.

“The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America,” Trump said on social media. “In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. It’s a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK military, with tremendous heart and soul, is second to none (except for the USA). We love you all, and always will!”

The Sun reported Trump’s U-turn came after diplomats relayed major concerns held by King Charles, who is the commander-in-chief of the British Armed Forces, and whose son Prince Harry is among those to fight on the front lines in Afghanistan. Keir Starmer also had private conversations with the president.

Buckingham Palace has not officially commented on the account. Newsweek approached the White House for comment.

Why It Matters

If accurate, Charles’ intervention would represent a major win for the Monarchy’s soft power and influence on the diplomatic stage, demonstrating Charles can still tilt the UK/U.S. special relationship in Britain’s favor even as tensions mount between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Trump on issues ranging from Greenland to the Chagos Islands.

What to Know

Trump’s climb down could substantially simplify the king’s year as he is currently expected to travel to America in April to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Threats by the president to annex Greenland earlier in January threw those plans into doubt. Then Trump pivoted under international pressure from taking Greenland by force to negotiating a “framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland.”

Trump’s remarks about NATO and Afghanistan were put forward as part of his argument for why he believes America needs to own Greenland. However, with his further climb down on Britain’s role in Afghanistan, the crisis appears to be dissipating for now.

That means a major boost for the prospect that Charles’ trip to America in April goes ahead. Prince William is also affected as he is expected to attend the main celebration in America on July 4.

What People Are Saying

Prince Harry denounced Trump’s remarks in a statement to Newsweek last week: “Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent.

“Families are left carrying the cost. Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect, as we all remain united and loyal to the defense of diplomacy and peace.” 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Trump’s remarks were “appalling” and added: “I will never forget their courage, their bravery and the sacrifice they made for their country.

“I consider President Trump’s remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling and I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured and, in fact, across the country.”

What Happens Next

All eyes will be on whether Buckingham Palace confirm an overseas visit by Charles to America to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Meanwhile, the negotiations over Greenland continue with Trump suggesting he wants U.S. military bases on the arctic territory to be sovereign American land. Greenland has suggested that would be a red line, U.S.A. Today reported.

Do you have a question about King Charles III and Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Kate, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We’d love to hear from you.