The US President sparked anger among British veterans earlier this week when he suggested Nato forces had “stayed a little back, a little off the front lines” during the Afghanistan conflict.

Just 48 hours later, Mr Trump appeared to retreat from those remarks, offering strong praise for British troops, though stopping short of issuing a direct apology.

Trump Praises British Forces

In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump wrote:
“The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America!

“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! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Palace Concerns Raised Privately

It is now believed the change in tone followed expressions of concern from King Charles, conveyed to the White House via private diplomatic channels.

Sources told The Sun that the Palace made clear the King was troubled by the distress caused by the President’s initial comments.

One British official told the paper that as the nation’s Commander-in-Chief, “you would always expect our Commander-in-Chief to defend the Armed Forces’ proud record of service and sacrifice”.

Another source added: “It was made very clear that the King’s concern over the hurt had been caused by the comments whether inadvertent or not.”

Buckingham Palace declined to comment when approached.

Prime Minister’s Direct Call With Trump

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also raised the issue directly with the President during a phone call on Saturday afternoon.

A No10 spokesperson said:
“The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, this afternoon.

“The Prime Minister raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home. We must never forget their sacrifice, he said.

“As Ukraine approaches the fourth year of war since Russia’s full-scale invasion, the leaders agreed on the need to see progress towards a sustainable ceasefire.

“Whilst diplomatic efforts continue, the Prime Minister reiterated that international partners must continue to support Ukraine in its defence against Putin’s barbaric attacks.

“The leaders also discussed the need for bolstered security in the Arctic, and the Prime Minister said it was an absolute priority for his government.

“The leaders discussed the importance of the UK-US relationship, which continues to stand the test of time. They agreed to speak soon.”

Just a day earlier, Sir Keir had publicly criticised the President’s comments, branding them both “insulting and appalling”.

Mr Trump’s remarks proved especially controversial given that the United States remains the only Nato member to have invoked Article 5, doing so after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Veterans and political figures accused the President of making serious factual errors about Britain’s role and sacrifices in Afghanistan.

Political Reaction to the U-Turn

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed Mr Trump’s change of tone, writing on X:
“I’m pleased President Trump has now acknowledged the role of the British armed forces and those brave men and women who gave their lives fighting alongside the US and our allies.

“It should never have been questioned in the first place.”

The diplomatic row comes as King Charles and Queen Camilla prepare for an official visit to the United States in April, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Mr Trump has previously praised the monarch, describing him as an exceptional gentleman following last September’s state visit.