The Two Matts The Two Matts Q&A: Royal visit to the US, Roger Daltrey’s opinions and Italy’s football team
Apr 4, 2026
They debate whether a royal US state visit would help or be politicised amid recent rhetoric. They consider if a future referendum on EU membership would be better run than 2016. They wrestle with whether artists’ politics should affect how we enjoy their work. They probe the chances and consequences of the US withdrawing from NATO. They trace why Italy’s football has declined.
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Royal Visit As Strategic Soft Power
- The King’s state visit to the US is a soft-power move that can reaffirm UK-US ties despite Donald Trump’s hostile rhetoric.
- Matt d’Ancona argues cancelling would play into Trump’s hands, while the King can speak above party politics and appeal to American audiences.
Proceed With Care On The State Visit
- Proceed with the visit but manage optics and briefings to limit political gags and insults.
- Matt Kelly suggests pre-clearing messaging with Trump’s team to avoid mortifying anti-Starmer jokes and protect the monarch’s dignity.
Rematch Would Be More Organised And Factchecked
- A future UK debate about rejoining the EU would face smarter, better‑resourced campaigns and stronger fact‑checking than 2016.
- Both Mats note BBC Verify, heightened public awareness of disinformation and lessons learned from Remain will change dynamics.