
King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in Canada for a two-day visit on Monday. The royal visit comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has made repeated suggestions about Canada becoming the 51st state of the United States.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that the visit of King Charles is a reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown. Governor General Mary Simon also released a statement, emphasizing the visit’s importance in affirming Canada’s independence and constitutional ties.
The King’s visit is seen as a show of support for Canadian sovereignty, especially given Trump’s comments. Trump has previously described a union between the two countries as a “wonderful marriage” and has called the border between the two countries “artificial”.
During a meeting earlier this month, Trump suggested that it would be beneficial for Canada to become the 51st US state, citing advantages such as tax cuts and free military support. Prime Minister Carney has publicly refuted this idea, stating that Canada is “never for sale.”
A key event during the visit will be King Charles’ delivery of the Speech from the Throne in the Senate chamber on Tuesday. This marks a significant moment, occurring nearly seven decades after a Canadian sovereign first opened the country’s parliament, highlighting the enduring relationship between Canada and the British Crown.