Charles’ not very subtle message to Trump

King Charles and Queen Camilla will drop by Canada this month in what seems to be a subtle – but direct – reminder to the US President.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit Canada later this month and open the nation’s parliament in a subtle – but nonetheless very pointed – reminder to US President Donald Trump of Canada’s sovereignty.

The country’s new prime minister Mark Carney, who will form a minority government of his left of centre Liberal Party following Monday’s election, made the announcement at a press conference in Ottawa.

He also said he would visit The White House next week and meet Mr Trump in what could be an awkward encounter.

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Mr Trump has repeatedly said Canada should become the US “cherished 51st state” and has said that it cannot survive as a country without American’s economic and military support which he has threatened to remove.

Overwhelmingly, Canadians to do want to become American and Ottawa has pushed back against claims the US subsidises it while recognising Amerfica as a major economic partner.

Mr Carney said it was a “great honour” to have the King and Queen in attendance at the opening of parliament of May 27.

Canada, like Australia and the UK, is a Commonwealth Realm which has Charles as head of state. He is officially known as the King of Canada when visiting.

The monarch opens the Canadian parliament, but that role is almost always delegated to the governor-general. The last time the actual monarch opened parliament in Ottawa was Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will open Canada’s parliament. (Photo by Paul Campbell-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

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While Mr Carney didn’t mention Mr Trump, there’s no doubt it’s a message to the US president of Canada’s independence.

“This historic honour matches the weight of our times,” he said of the King’s visit.

The visit of the Royals “clearly underscores the sovereignty of our country,” he added.

“Our Canadian identity is deeply rooted in our constitution and this visit highlights the enduring relationship between Canada and the Crown”.

Prime Minister Carney also no doubt realises the fondness Mr Trump has for King Charles and the Royal Family and the visit shows Canada has friends in high places.

Despite being Canadian PM for just months, this will be the second meeting between Mr Carney and the King. Within days of him taking over from predecessor Justin Trudeau, Mr Carney headed to the UK in a demonstration of Canada’s global alliances.

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney will also visit US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. (Photo by PATRICK DOYLE / AFP)

In Monday’s election, the Liberal Party won 168 seats in Canada’s House of Commons, four shy of a majority. With smaller parties support, the Liberals should be able to pass legislation but it will be tougher.

The Conservatives, which months ago had been on track for a landslide win, dropped in popularity once former Liberal PM Justin Trudeau resigned and Mr Trump began threatening Canada including with tariffs.

Canada and the royals are sending a message to US President Donald Trump of Canada’s sovereignty. (Photo by Andrew Harnik / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

On Friday, Mr Carney said he would meet the US President at the White House on Tuesday.

He said there will be two main topics of discussion – tariffs and US’ general relationship with Canada. That could be code for the 51st state mutterings.

The new PM said the he and Mr Trump had spoken this week and there had been no mention of US control over Canada. That’s in contrast to their first phone call where the topic did come up.

Canada will be hoping the White House meeting will be cordial – but it could be awkward. There’s every likelihood Mr Trump could try and needle Mr Carney on topics such as statehood and claims American’s subsidies it’s next door neighbour. Mr Trump might also call Mr Carney “governor” rather than “prime minister” a term which he tried to humiliate Mr Trudeau with.

Originally published as Charles’ not very subtle message to Trump