Outside the system

A ‘Special’
Relationship,
Indeed

James Bloodworth explores whether Britain and the United States can ever mature their mutual fascination with each other into more than symbolic fantasy

Trump enjoyed his state banquet with Princess Kate and the King last year
Photo: Yui Mok/AP

The ‘special relationship’.

America wants Britain’s past, Britain wants America’s power.

America as we know it today started life as a rebellion against the British. Two-and-a-half centuries later, the republic still cannot quite get enough of the monarchy it was founded to escape.