'Fears' over King Charles 'getting dragged into' Donald Trump 'controversy' with Canada visit
Charles arrives in Canada todayThere are reportedly concerns that King Charles‘ visit to Canada could see him dragged into “controversy” surrounding US President Donald Trump.
The monarch’s visit to Canada comes at a time of geopolitical tension between Canada and the US. This is causing some considerable anxiety in the government, apparently.
King Charles set for Canada trip
The king, with Queen Camilla in tow, arrived in Canada today (Monday, May 26).
Charles is in Canada this week to open the country’s Parliament – the second time that the monarch has opened a Parliament. His late mother Queen Elizabeth II opened the 23rd Canadian Parliament in 1957.
The king will also deliver a “speech from the throne” in Ottawa tomorrow (Tuesday, May 27). The late Queen last delivered the speech in 1977.
However, some British ministers are reportedly concerned about the upcoming trip. This is especially considering the current political tensions between the US and Canada.
Canada’s relationship with the US has been fraught since Donald Trump was re-elected.
The US President has slapped Canada with a string of trade tariffs. He has also called for Canada to become the US’s 51st state.
“British ministers have been trying to persuade the Canadian Government to keep Charles free of any controversy around Donald Trump,” a Commonwealth source told The Times.
‘Fears’ King Charles’ Canada trip will ‘offend’ Donald Trump
However, the insider has claimed that attempts have been “fiercely resisted” by Ottawa.
Most of the king’s speech before Parliament will be written on the advice of Canada’s Government. Experts expect there will be coded references to the country’s stand against Trump.
“There will be a strong subtext, and the Canadians are very keen to see that,” Professor Philip Murray, director of history and policy at the University of London, told The Times.
King Charles starts his two-day visit to Canada today and he is walking into a diplomatic minefield.
He expects that Canada may attempt to exploit the “ambiguities” of Charles’ role as monarch of the UK and Canada.
“By having him there they can stress that the UK is on Canada’s side in any trade confrontation with the US,” he then added.
Jeremy Kinsman, former Canadian high commissioner to the UK, weighed in too. He said that being able to give the speech is a “big deal” for the king.
Charles walking into ‘diplomatic minefield’ with Canada visit
Elsewhere, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams has shared his thoughts on Charles’ visit and upcoming speech.
“King Charles starts his two-day visit to Canada today and he is walking into a diplomatic minefield. President Trump has launched a trade war with his northern neighbour, the vast majority of whose exports and a substantial amount of whose imports come to and from the USA. He has also threatened to annex Canada, which he wants to be the 51st state of the USA, which is obviously outrageous,” he said.
“Interest will centre on the Speech from the Throne tomorrow after King Charles opens Parliament, the first monarch to do so since Queen Elizabeth in 1957. She gave the Speech from the Throne in 1977. Much of it, by convention, will be written by the Canadian Government, but the king is expected to include some thoughts of his own,” he continued.
“He has recently, as Head of State of Canada, been sending supportive messages to Canada, wearing Canadian medals, receiving Canadian dignitaries and visiting Canada House. The Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has been far from enthusiastic about the invitation proffered by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as his Trump card when visiting the White House in February, for a unique second state visit to Britain.”
Donald Trump branded ‘totally unpredictable’
Richard went on to say: “President Trump is totally unpredictable. How he might respond if he disliked the speech is uncertain. One of the few consistent aspects of his behaviour has been his admiration for the royal family, especially after his state visit and visit to Windsor when Queen Elizabeth was monarch.
“He appears enthusiastic about the monarchy, since the United States is the lynchpin of NATO and trade negotiations with Britain are so pivotal it is essential Britain keeps Trump, who may pay a second state visit in September, on board.”
Richard added: “This is a delicate balancing act for King Charles, who is battling cancer, to negotiate.”
Read more: Sad ‘truth’ behind King Charles’ 70th birthday family photo
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