Prime Minister Carney criticises royal move as sovereignty tensions rise
King Charles III has drawn sharp criticism in Canada after reportedly inviting
former U.S. President Donald Trump for an unprecedented second state visit to
the United Kingdom — a decision that has stirred political unease just ahead
of the monarch’s landmark trip to Canada.
Newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney voiced his disapproval
during an interview with Sky News, saying Canadians were “not impressed” by
the King’s gesture, especially amid heightened tensions over national
sovereignty.
“It was at a time when we were being quite clear about the issues around
sovereignty,” Carney explained, referencing Trump’s recent provocative claims
that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States.
As a Commonwealth nation and former British colony, Canada continues to
recognise King Charles as its head of state. However, the invitation to Trump
— seen by many Canadians as antagonistic toward the country — has sparked
concerns over the King’s diplomatic judgment.
Carney, a former Bank of England governor, campaigned on pushing back against
Trump’s trade threats and political rhetoric. Since taking office, he has made
it clear that Canada will “never ever” become part of the U.S.
Despite the controversy, King Charles is scheduled to make a historic
appearance by opening Canada’s Parliament — the first British monarch to do so
in half a century. Yet what was expected to be a symbolic reaffirmation of
Commonwealth unity now risks being overshadowed by political backlash and
public discontent.
