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.
