King Charles III Visits Canada: Symbolic Show of Support Amid Growing Tensions with Trump

King Charles III arrived in Canada on Monday, marking a significant and symbolic visit intended to demonstrate his ongoing support for the nation, which officially recognizes him as its sovereign. This trip comes amid heightened tensions spurred by U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated remarks suggesting that the United States could acquire Canada as its 51st state—a suggestion that has been firmly rejected by Canadian leadership.

The king, accompanied by Queen Camilla, touched down at Ottawa Airport in Ontario, where they were greeted on the tarmac by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Governor General Mary Simon, who serves as the king's representative in the country. Following the arrival, King Charles held separate discussions with both Carney and Simon before proceeding with his official itinerary.

At 76 years old and currently undergoing cancer treatment, Charles has maintained a limited public schedule. Nevertheless, his two-day visit to Canada underscores the strong commitment he holds towards one of the 15 countries where he serves as monarch. This marks his first trip to the former British colony since ascending to the throne in September 2022.

On Tuesday, Charles is set to open Parliament, accepting an invitation from Prime Minister Carney. This will be the first occasion since Queen Elizabeth’s visit 68 years ago that a British monarch has undertaken this ceremonial duty in Canada.

The visit was prompted in part by Carney's invitation following President Trump's vocal interest in annexing Canada. The proposal has met with staunch resistance from Canadians and played a notable role in Carney’s recent election victory, as voters rallied against the idea. "The prime minister has made it clear that Canada is not for sale now, is not for sale ever," emphasized Ralph Goodale, Canada’s envoy to the U.K., during King Charles’s recent visit to Canada’s high commission in London. Goodale further stated, "The king, as head of state, will reinforce the power and the strength of that message."

Earlier this month, Carney personally informed Trump at the White House that Canada “is not for sale and won’t be for sale, ever.” In recent months, Charles has demonstrated his solidarity with Canada by wearing national medals, referring to himself as the king of Canada, and speaking admiringly about the Canadian flag as “a symbol that never fails to elicit a sense of pride and admiration.”

The king faces a delicate diplomatic challenge, as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer works toward securing favorable trade agreements and cooperation with Trump on issues such as Ukraine. During Starmer’s visit to the White House in February, he delivered President Trump an invitation from King Charles for an unprecedented second state visit, a move which has reportedly unsettled some Canadians.

Prime Minister Carney acknowledged the gesture had caused concern among his constituents, highlighting the sensitivity of relations between Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States at this time.

Reuters contributed to this report.