Canadian PM Mark Carney criticizes UK invitation to Trump amid annexation tensions

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned the United Kingdom's decision to invite U.S. President Donald Trump for a second state visit, arguing that it undermines Canada's efforts to present a unified stance against Trump’s provocative remarks about annexing Canada.

Since taking office in January, Trump has repeatedly suggested turning Canada into the 51st U.S. state—a proposal that has sparked widespread outrage across Canada and put the UK in a delicate diplomatic position between the two North American nations.

Britain’s King Charles, who also serves as Canada’s head of state, has made several symbolic gestures affirming his ties to the country in recent months. These include donning Canadian medals, planting a maple tree, and referring to himself as “King of Canada.” Despite undergoing cancer treatment, Charles is expected to attend Canada’s state opening of parliament on May 27—the first time a reigning British monarch will have done so since 1977.

In an interview with Sky News, Carney criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to hand-deliver an invitation from King Charles to Trump during a February visit to the Oval Office.

“To be honest, Canadians didn’t view that gesture positively—especially given the context,” Carney said. “It came at a time when we were being very clear about defending our sovereignty.”

Carney, who became prime minister after winning his party’s leadership race in March and securing an electoral victory last month, emphasized that Charles’s visit was intentional and symbolic.

“President Trump has highlighted issues of Canadian sovereignty, so the King’s presence is certainly no coincidence. It serves as a moment of reaffirmation for Canadians,” he explained.

Starmer, seeking to rebuild trade relationships with the U.S. post-Brexit, has leaned on the UK’s defense credentials, pledged increased military spending, and leveraged royal ceremony to appeal to Trump. Earlier this month, Trump and the UK agreed to a limited bilateral trade deal.

Trump, whose mother was born in Scotland, has often expressed admiration for the British royal family.

When asked about Carney’s remarks, British Minister Pat McFadden told Sky News that every country must chart its own course in managing international relationships.