King Charles sends symbolic message to 'resilient' Canada after Donald Trump's 51st state claim

WATCH NOW: King Charles meets new Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney

GB News
Susanna Siddell

By Susanna Siddell


Published: 17/03/2025

- 22:12

The new Canadian Prime Minister visited Buckingham Palace this afternoon - just weeks after he met with former leader Justin Trudeau

King Charles has taken the opportunity to send a symbolic message to "resilient" Canada as he welcomed the country's new Prime Minister Mark Carney at Buckingham Palace.

The King - donning a red tie - seemed to send latent signals to the politician as US President Donald Trump has said that he believes that Canada should become America's "51st state".


Yet, the King appeared to come out in support for the North American nation and had previously planned to travel there in 2024 - if it had not been for his cancer diagnosis.

The meeting comes as Canada faces increasing tensions with US President Trump.

King Charles; Mark Carney

The new Canadian Prime Minister visited Buckingham Palace this afternoon - just weeks after he met with former leader Justin Trudeau

PA

There are suggestions that once Canada's election concludes, a royal visit to the country will become a priority.

Previously, his support for Canadians has shone through his decision to wear Canadian medals while visiting aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales.

Additionally, he sent a fulsome message lauding Canada as a "proud, resilient and compassionate country" for the 60th anniversary of its maple leaf flag.

His support was topped with the King's decision to plant a maple tree during a tree planting ceremony at the palace.

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Just last week during the Commonwealth Service last week, he sat on a Canadian chair.

This first meeting between the King and the Prime Minister of Canada represents the latest chapter in King Charles' intricate diplomatic balancing act as head of state for both nations.

As it stands, he faces a delicate challenge as monarch for both the UK and the North American country as politicians from both countries seemingly seek different relationships with the White House.

Experts have asserted that he must show solidarity with Canada without disrupting Britain's relationship with Trump - who has antagonised Canadians aplenty with economic threats and suggestions that Canada could become a 51st state.

King Charles; Mark Carney

Their private 30-minute meeting was not attended by any aides

PA

However, as a constitutional monarch, King Charles must not involve himself in political matters - despite whatever his personal views are about Donald Trump.

Still, the Royal Family is deemed to be one of the most powerful diplomatic tools with the Republican.

When Sir Keir Starmer visited the White House for a bilateral meeting with the President, he appeared to be delighted to be invited for a state visit to the UK.