King Charles III arrives in Canada today, 26 May, for a two-day visit designed to reaffirm ties with a nation where he serves as monarch — a timely gesture, as former US President Donald Trump continues to float controversial ambitions of turning Canada into the 51st US state.
The King, 76, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, accepted an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to open Parliament in Ottawa on 27 May. It marks a historic moment — the first time a British sovereign has performed this duty in nearly seven decades, the last being Queen Elizabeth II in 1957.
Despite health challenges, the monarch’s presence signals a clear show of solidarity with one of the 15 realms that still regard him as head of state.
Mr Trump’s persistent rhetoric about annexing Canada has stirred tensions. His remarks were met with stiff resistance during Canada’s recent elections, where Prime Minister Carney’s tough stance against such notions proved a winning strategy.
“The prime minister has made it clear that Canada is not for sale now, is not for sale ever,” Canada’s High Commissioner to the UK, Mr Ralph Goodale, told reporters last week during King Charles’ visit to Canada House in London.
He added: “The king, as head of state, will reinforce the power and the strength of that message.”
King Charles has been quietly but firmly aligning himself with Canada’s national identity. He’s been seen wearing Canadian military decorations, has referred to himself as the “King of Canada,” and recently praised the national flag, calling it “a symbol that never fails to elicit a sense of pride and admiration.”
Still, the King must tread carefully. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is attempting to maintain cordial relations with Trump, particularly over sensitive matters such as Ukraine and trade.
In fact, during a February visit to the White House, Mr Starmer reportedly highlighted an invitation from Charles for a rare second state visit for Mr Trump — a diplomatic move intended to keep lines open. Trump, whose mother was Scottish, has often spoken warmly of the Royal Family.
This invitation hasn’t gone unnoticed in Canada. Prime Minister Carney, previously the Bank of England’s governor, suggested it hasn’t sat well with Canadians.
The trip is King Charles and Queen Camilla’s first official visit to Canada since his accession to the throne in September 2022.
Upon arrival in Ottawa, the royal couple will visit a major city park, engage with local vendors and artists, and participate in a ceremonial puck drop at a street hockey event — a nod to Canada’s beloved pastime. Later, the King will plant a tree at another location in the capital.
On Monday, the King will deliver the “Speech from the Throne” in the Canadian Senate — only the third time a reigning monarch has done so. The speech, drafted by Carney’s government, will officially mark the opening of a new session of Parliament.
The King and Queen will travel to the Senate in a horse-drawn carriage flanked by a 28-horse military escort.
Canadian Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault called the event a “momentous occasion – one that brings Canadians together in celebration of our rich history, our democracy and the institutions that serve us all.”
With Trump watching closely and diplomatic tensions simmering, King Charles’ brief but symbolic trip to Canada underscores the enduring strength of Commonwealth bonds — and the fine line monarchs must walk in a modern geopolitical landscape.
