Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly criticized the UK government’s invitation to former US President Donald Trump for a second state visit, describing the move as poorly timed and out of step with Canadian public sentiment. Carney stated that Canadians were “not impressed” by the gesture, especially as it coincided with Trump’s repeated remarks about Canada becoming the “51st US state.”
The invitation, extended earlier this year by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during a White House meeting, has sparked diplomatic unease and reignited conversations about Canadian sovereignty and international alignment.
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UK’s Trump Invite Sparks Controversy
Canadians Disapprove of Second State Visit Gesture
Carney, speaking in an interview with Sky News, emphasized that the timing of the UK’s invitation “cut across” efforts to assert Canada’s sovereignty during a sensitive geopolitical moment.
“To be frank, [Canadians] weren’t impressed by that gesture… given the circumstance,” Carney said.
“It was at a time when we were being quite clear about the issues around sovereignty.”
He stopped short of directly criticizing the UK government or Buckingham Palace, stating that matters of diplomacy are decisions for them to make. However, the underlying message was clear — Canada felt sidelined in a moment that required strong international support.
Trump’s Comments Heighten Tensions
Repeated References to Annexation
Trump, since returning to the White House, has made multiple comments undermining Canada’s sovereignty, suggesting that the country is effectively a US extension and calling the Canada-US border “artificially drawn.” These statements, Carney said, have moved from being speculative to suggestive.
“He also came from a place where he recognised that was not going to happen,” Carney told Sky News.
“But he shifted from expectation to a desire for that to happen.”
Amid ongoing trade and security negotiations, Carney has firmly asserted that “Canada is not for sale”, stressing that any diplomatic interactions with Trump must come with mutual respect.
King Charles III’s Visit Seen as Symbolic Support
Royal Visit to Underscore Sovereignty
In a move seen as diplomatically significant, King Charles III and Queen Camilla are scheduled to visit Canada on May 26–27, with the King delivering the Speech from the Throne — a rare royal act that last occurred in 1977.
Carney made it clear that the royal visit is not coincidental, emphasizing that it serves as a reaffirmation of Canada’s status as a sovereign nation and of the King’s role as Canada’s head of state.
“This is a reaffirming moment,” Carney said.
“All issues around Canadian sovereignty that have been accentuated by the president… they exist in normal times as well.”
The throne speech, which outlines the government’s legislative agenda, is traditionally delivered by the Governor General, making the King’s direct participation a symbolic show of unity and national dignity.
Summary
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s disapproval of the UK’s decision to invite Donald Trump for a second state visit highlights growing diplomatic friction at a time when Canada’s sovereignty is being publicly challenged. With King Charles III’s upcoming royal visit, Carney is sending a clear message that Canada remains firmly independent, even as global political dynamics continue to evolve.
This article is originally published on : ici.radio
