Mark Carney meets King Charles and Sir Keir Starmer as Trump’s threats cast a shadow over Canada

Canada’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister Mark Carney has arrived in London for high-stakes meetings with King Charles III and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, as tensions with the United States reach a boiling point. The visit comes after U.S. President Donald Trump made inflammatory remarks suggesting Canada could become the 51st state—claims Carney swiftly dismissed as “disrespectful.”

Carney, who took office just days ago after succeeding Justin Trudeau, has wasted no time in reinforcing ties with European allies. Before his UK visit, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, underlining the need for Canada to align with “reliable allies” during a period of political uncertainty.

His audience with King Charles at Buckingham Palace was marked by both warmth and gravity. The two leaders exchanged pleasantries, with the King congratulating Canada’s new leader, and Carney joking about his Order of Canada pin breaking upon arrival. The light-hearted moment, however, masked the weight of their closed-door discussions.

The meeting, held in the 1844 Room, was one of rare transparency, with TV cameras capturing their initial exchange—an unusual occurrence for royal audiences. The decision to allow filming has been seen as a deliberate move, highlighting the significance of Carney’s visit at a time of geopolitical tension.

For 30 minutes, the monarch and the prime minister spoke privately, their topics undisclosed. However, speculation is rife that Trump’s comments on annexing Canada and the ongoing trade war with the U.S. were key points of discussion.

Later in the evening, Carney met with Sir Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where the British prime minister reaffirmed the UK’s support for Canada. “Two sovereign allies with so much in common—shared history, shared values, shared King,” Starmer remarked.

The leaders reportedly covered a range of global issues, including the war in Ukraine. Canada, alongside the UK and other European nations, is involved in discussions regarding a potential peacekeeping coalition in Ukraine.

Carney praised the UK’s leadership, telling Starmer: “We’re at a point in history where the world is being reordered… Your leadership, alongside President Macron, in bringing together a coalition of the willing, will be decisive in finding a lasting solution.”

During a press conference, Carney did not mince words when addressing Trump’s repeated insinuations that Canada could become part of the U.S. “We don’t need another country to validate our sovereignty—we are sovereign,” he asserted.

The remarks come amid escalating economic and political friction between Canada and its powerful southern neighbour. Trump’s administration has imposed heavy tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium, with further trade restrictions set to take effect on 2 April. In response, Canada has slapped retaliatory tariffs on American products worth $20 billion.

Carney made it clear that Canada will not be intimidated, stating, “We will never, ever, in any way, shape or form, be part of the United States.” He also dismissed the idea of immediate negotiations with Trump, stating that Canada would only engage in talks when the U.S. was “ready for a more comprehensive discussion on trade.”

With Canada serving as the U.S.’s largest foreign supplier of steel and aluminium, the economic battle between the two nations is intensifying. Trump’s administration has already enacted a 25% tariff on Canadian metals, and sweeping tariffs on all Canadian imports could follow next month.

Despite the tension, Carney remains resolute. He pointed out that Canada, along with the UK, France, and the U.S., is a NATO member, making any suggestion of forced annexation “unthinkable.”

As Carney’s diplomatic tour continues, he faces the daunting task of defending Canada’s sovereignty while managing a looming trade war. His firm stance against Trump signals a leader unafraid to challenge U.S. pressure, but the road ahead remains uncertain.

With Canada’s economic future and political independence at stake, Carney’s next moves will be closely watched—not just by his allies, but by a U.S. president who appears determined to test Canada’s limits.

SKY NEWS

King Charles welcomed Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, to Buckingham Palace amid rising tensions with Donald Trump, who has suggested Canada should become the US’s 51st state. The meeting, held privately in the 1844 Room, was seen as a symbolic show of support for Ottawa, particularly as Canada faces a trade war with the US.

Carney later met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street, discussing shared economic challenges and collaboration on Ukraine. Starmer praised Carney’s leadership, highlighting his role in stabilising the UK economy as former Bank of England governor.

Carney, who replaced Justin Trudeau as leader of Canada’s Liberal Party, has responded strongly to Trump’s threats, calling them a “crisis” and vowing to protect Canada’s sovereignty. His visit to London and Paris signals Canada’s intent to strengthen alliances amid geopolitical uncertainty, reinforcing ties with key allies in Europe and the Commonwealth.

THE TELEGRAPH

Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, hailed King Charles III as a “steadfast defender” of the country following Donald Trump’s threats to annexe Canada as the US’s 51st state. During their private audience at Buckingham Palace, Carney expressed gratitude for the King’s unwavering support.

Charles has repeatedly signalled solidarity with Canada, reaffirming his deep affection for the nation while meeting Canadian officials and donning symbolic honours. Carney, who replaced Justin Trudeau, emphasised Canada’s “proud British heritage” and vowed to resist US tariffs and annexation threats.

The King’s diplomatic role contrasts with the UK government’s efforts to court Trump, including an invitation for a second state visit. Carney’s trip to London and Paris highlights Canada’s strategic alliances amid rising global tensions, reinforcing ties with European leaders like Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.