King Charles under fire over Donald Trump's second UK state visit after president's gushing remarks
Canadians "weren’t impressed" by the gesture, PM Mark Carney said
King Charles has come under mounting scrutiny following the UK government’s decision to extend an unprecedented second state visit invitation to President Donald Trump, despite rising concerns from international allies, particularly Canada.
In an interview with Sky News, newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canadians “weren’t impressed” by the gesture.
“I think, to be frank, they weren’t impressed by that gesture… given the circumstance,” Mark said. “It was at a time when we were being quite clear about the issues around sovereignty.”
King Charles invites Donald Trump for second state visit
In February, the invitation was delivered to President Trump by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during a visit to the Oval Office.
This move stirred controversy in Canada, especially given Trump’s previous threats to annex Canada, jokingly or otherwise, by making it the “51st state” of the United States.
Mark Carney campaigned on defending Canada’s independence and pushing back against American overreach.
He said the timing of the UK’s invitation “cut across clear messages” that Canada was trying to send to the White House.
I think, to be frank, they weren’t impressed by that gesture… given the circumstance.
Meanwhile, in a bold counter-move, Prime Minister Carney has invited King Charles to open Parliament later this month.
The king is the head of state of Canada. This marks the first time in nearly 50 years that the sovereign will carry out this ceremonial duty in Canada.
“All issues around Canada’s sovereignty have been accentuated by the president,” Mark told Sky News. “So no, it’s not coincidental, but it is also a reaffirming moment for Canadians.”
Although the king’s role is largely symbolic, the decision to involve him directly is being viewed as a deliberate assertion of Canadian autonomy, and a subtle rebuke to the UK for entertaining closer ties with a US president who had cast doubts on Canada’s independence.
Donald Trump gushes over King Charles
Prime Minister Keir Starmer personally delivered the invitation to Trump in February during a White House meeting, shortly after Trump’s inauguration.
Typically, second-term leaders receive informal engagements like tea or lunch at Windsor Castle.
However, the king proposed a more significant meeting at one of his estates in Scotland. In the letter, he called it an “exceptional opportunity” to strengthen ties.
“This is unprecedented by a US President,” Charles wrote in the letter.
Trump responded warmly, praising the king and the UK.
The president said: “It’s a very special place and [Starmer is] a special man. I’ll be going there, and we expect to see each other in the near future. We’ll be announcing it.”
The rare invitation marked a notable shift in royal protocol. Full state visits are typically arranged by the government, with the monarch playing host rather than extending personal invitations.
Read more: Touching moment between King Charles and sister Princess Anne spotted at Windsor Castle
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