King Charles III is set to raise a celebratory dram after Donald Trump announced he will remove tariffs on Scottish whisky, a move the monarch has warmly welcomed following his recent state visit to the United States.
In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, a spokesperson confirmed the King had been informed of the decision and expressed his appreciation, describing it as a meaningful boost for a key British industry.
"The King has been informed of President Trump’s warm gesture and sends his sincere gratitude for a decision that will make an important difference to the British whisky industry and the livelihoods it supports," the statement read.
© AFP via Getty Images"His Majesty will be raising a dram to the president’s thoughtfulness and generous hospitality as he departs the US after a most enjoyable state visit for both their majesties in this special anniversary year."
The announcement came shortly after Charles and Queen Camilla concluded their high-profile trip, which had been widely viewed as a delicate diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening the UK-US "special relationship".
© Getty ImagesIn a surprising admission, President Trump revealed that it was the royal couple’s influence that ultimately swayed his decision.
"People have wanted to do this for a long time," he said, before adding that the King and Queen "got me to do something that nobody else was able to do".
He later reinforced the message in a post on his Truth Social platform, writing: "In honor of the King and Queen of the United Kingdom… I will be removing the Tariffs and Restrictions on Whiskey… The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!"
© The Washington Post via Getty ImThe move is expected to deliver significant relief to the Scotch whisky sector, which has faced mounting pressure in recent years. Previous tariffs, including a 25 per cent levy imposed between 2019 and 2022, are estimated to have cost the industry more than £600 million, while current 10 per cent tariffs have been draining around £3 million a week in lost exports.
Mark Kent, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, welcomed the development, saying: "This deal is a significant boost for the Scotch whisky industry in our most valuable export market. Distillers can breathe a little easier during a period of significant pressure on the sector.
"We are hugely grateful for the sustained efforts on both sides of the Atlantic. For months, many have worked tirelessly to return zero-for-zero tariff trade for whisky and bourbon."
© Saul Loeb - Pool/Getty ImagesThe decision has also been hailed as a win for the UK government, with Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle describing it as "great news" for an industry worth almost £1 billion in exports and supporting thousands of jobs.
"I have been advocating for lower tariffs on key exports like whisky, to protect vital jobs and iconic British brands while strengthening our relationship with the US," he said.
While political tensions have simmered in recent months, with disagreements between the White House and Downing Street over international policy, the King’s visit appears to have cut through the noise, highlighting the enduring power of royal diplomacy.
Throughout the trip, President Trump repeatedly praised Charles, calling him "fantastic" and emphasising the deep historical ties between the two nations. In one notably warm moment, the president was even photographed affectionately touching the King’s knee.
