The King’s visit to Canada risks upsetting Donald Trump amid Ottawa’s clash with the White House
King Charles has arrived in Canada for a historic and politically sensitive visit that could place him on a diplomatic tightrope between two nations. While the trip marks his first to Canada as its Head of State, it comes at a volatile time in Canada–US relations, with tensions escalating between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump.
The monarch touched down in Ottawa on Monday for a whirlwind 24-hour visit, during which he will perform the ceremonial opening of the Canadian Parliament—a rare event last undertaken by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. However, beyond the pageantry lies a thornier issue: how to demonstrate his support for Canada without imperilling his budding rapport with Trump, who is set to receive an unprecedented second state visit to the UK.
At the centre of the storm is Mark Carney, Canada’s new Prime Minister, whose campaign victory in April was built around defiance of Trump. His most notable jab came when he told the American president that “Canada is not and will never be for sale,” a response to Trump’s repeated threats to annexe Canada and declare it the 51st US state.
Though King Charles will avoid political commentary—his speech at the State Opening is written by the Canadian government—his very presence in Ottawa is laden with symbolism. It signals a firm commitment to Canada’s sovereignty at a time when that sovereignty is under rhetorical attack from across the border.
A royal aide told ITV News, “He is thoughtful, has mastery of that diplomatic tightrope and has become even more acutely aware of how to walk it since he acceded to the throne.”
Officials insist the King understands his dual constitutional roles—Head of State for both Canada and the United Kingdom—and that he can perform each with neutrality. But the optics of standing beside Carney, who has staked his leadership on resisting Trump, could be interpreted in Washington as a snub.
This is not lost on Buckingham Palace, which issued the invitation to Trump’s UK state visit at the government’s request. British ministers see Trump’s affection for the Royal Family as a strategic asset in strengthening ties with his White House. Any perceived royal slight during Charles’s Canada trip could threaten that budding relationship.
Nonetheless, the Palace remains confident in the King’s ability to navigate the situation. “People will understand the King’s distinct, constitutional roles,” said a royal source. “If anyone can fulfil those two separate roles adroitly, without favouring one over another, it’s him.”
Charles and Queen Camilla began their visit with a community event at Lansdowne Park and will meet with the Governor General and Prime Minister Carney later this evening. On Tuesday, the royal couple will travel by carriage to Parliament Hill, where Charles will deliver the Speech from the Throne.
He is expected to avoid any personal remarks, sticking strictly to the script prepared by Carney’s government. Still, just appearing on Canadian soil—especially in Parliament—sends a message.
Royal insiders stress that Charles’s affection for Canada is long-standing. “Simply by being here, he’ll make clear his love for Canada is deep and sincere,” one said.
This visit follows last year’s tour of Australia, another realm where Charles serves as Head of State. With growing republican sentiment in several Commonwealth countries, each visit by the monarch carries heavy political weight.
Though brief, Charles’s stay in Canada could echo long after he departs, particularly if tensions with Trump continue to rise. The Palace hopes discretion and constitutional clarity will prevail—but with Trump, there are no guarantees.
