Canadian Prime Minister Invites British Monarch
Charles III Subtly Supports Canadian Independence
On the 26th (local time), King Charles III of the United Kingdom and Queen Camilla, on a state visit to Canada, arrived at Ottawa Airport in Canada and were warmly welcomed. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
Is there a reason why King Charles III of the United Kingdom made an unusual move by delivering the opening address at the Canadian Parliament during his state visit to Canada? Amid ongoing threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to annex Canada, analysts say that the British monarch’s visit served to demonstrate Canada’s determination not to yield its sovereignty to the United States in the eyes of the international community. The Canadian government is believed to have staged a political event by inviting the British monarch in order to emphasize its sovereignty. However, since the British government is preparing for additional tariff negotiations with the Trump administration, there are concerns that King Charles III’s show of support for Canada could become an unexpected obstacle.
Canadian Prime Minister Invites British Monarch: "A Steadfast Guardian of Canada"
On the 26th (local time), Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (left) met and greeted King Charles III of the United Kingdom, who was visiting Canada. This visit by King Charles III was made at the invitation of Prime Minister Carney. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
On the 26th of last month (local time), King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Camilla, made a state visit to Ottawa, the capital of Canada. This visit was made at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Prime Minister Carney asked King Charles III to attend and deliver an address at the opening ceremony of the 45th Canadian Federal Parliament during his visit.
This is the first time in 48 years that a British monarch has addressed the Canadian Parliament, the last being Queen Elizabeth II in 1977. Canada, as a member of the Commonwealth, officially recognizes the British monarch as its head of state, along with other Commonwealth nations such as Australia and New Zealand. However, the British monarch has traditionally refrained from political activities in Commonwealth countries, in accordance with the constitutional obligation of political neutrality.
The Canadian government has emphasized that King Charles III’s visit itself is connected to the protection of Canadian sovereignty. Prime Minister Carney stated, "The King is a steadfast guardian of Canada," and added, "This visit is a clear affirmation of our country's sovereignty." This is seen as a direct response to President Trump, who has repeatedly made statements about annexing Canada before and after his inauguration. Earlier this year, President Trump referred to Canada as "the 51st state of the United States" and insulted former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by calling him "the governor of Canada."
Charles III, Subtle Support for Canada
King Charles III has consistently shown deep interest in the issue of U.S. annexation threats and the safeguarding of Canadian sovereignty. After meeting with King Charles III in March, former Prime Minister Trudeau wrote on social media, "We discussed issues important to the people of Canada, especially the future of Canadian sovereignty and independence."
There is also an interpretation that King Charles III has been subtly and continually supporting Canada. The New York Times reported, "In February, King Charles III attended an event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Canadian flag, wearing the Order of Canada, and issued an official message describing Canada as 'a proud, resilient, and compassionate nation.' Earlier this year, at a royal tree-planting event, he chose a maple tree, and during a Commonwealth service, he sat in a chair symbolizing Canada, demonstrating his support for the country."
Within Canada, there has been criticism that the head of state, the King, has not responded to President Trump’s insulting annexation remarks. Many argue that, as head of state, the King should pressure the U.S. government to respect Canada’s sovereignty and independence. Canadian constitutional scholar Lyle Skinner wrote on social media in March, "I look forward to a statement in the name of the King regarding Canada’s territory and sovereignty," and added, "If there is no public statement from the King, many Canadians will be disappointed."
British Government Urgently Needs U.S. Tariff Negotiations... Concerns Over Diplomatic Friction
Within the United Kingdom, there are concerns that King Charles III’s support for Canada could negatively impact tariff negotiations with the Trump administration. With President Trump scheduled to visit the UK in September and additional tariff negotiations on the horizon, there is a risk of diplomatic friction with the United States.
The BBC, citing British government officials, reported, "King Charles III is in a situation where he must strike a balance?delivering a message of solidarity with Canada without jeopardizing the UK’s relationship with the United States. In February, the UK used an invitation for a state visit by King Charles III to win favor with President Trump, but now Canada is trying to distance itself from the United States through King Charles III."
In February, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the White House for trade negotiations and personally delivered a handwritten invitation for a state visit from King Charles III to President Trump, which was well received. As a result, President Trump is scheduled to visit the UK in September. The British government plans to pursue additional tariff negotiations with the United States during President Trump’s visit. Although the UK and the U.S. concluded their first tariff agreement on the 9th of last month, eliminating the 25% tariffs on steel and automobile products, the basic mutual tariff rate of 10% remains in place.
In contrast, the Canadian government has objected to the UK’s invitation to President Trump. They argue that inviting President Trump, who repeatedly makes statements about annexing Canada, for a state visit is inappropriate. At a recent press conference, Prime Minister Carney said, "Given the situation in February, when we were under pressure from President Trump regarding annexation, I do not believe the Canadian people were impressed by the UK’s invitation for a state visit," and added, "It was a period when there were clear issues regarding our sovereignty."
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