The King will send a clear message to Donald Trump during his upcoming visit to Canada: “Canada is not for sale.” That’s according to Ralph Goodale, Canada’s High Commissioner in the UK, ahead of the monarch’s first official visit as King.
Charles and Camilla will arrive in Ottawa on Monday to open Canada’s parliament, marking the first leg of a significant visit. The royal couple recently toured Canada House in Trafalgar Square, where Goodale highlighted the importance of the visit.
Following remarks from newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who told Trump that Canada would not be part of the US, Goodale emphasized that the King, as head of state, would reinforce that sovereignty.
“The King will strengthen that message, which is reflected in our anthem: ‘We are the true north, strong and free,’” Goodale said.
During the tour of Canada House, Charles and Camilla were greeted by Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers and shown a giant floor map of the country’s historic landmarks. Charles expressed admiration for the map, joking, “I wish I could bring it every time I go to Canada.”
The map featured key locations, including the Torngat Mountains and Wood Buffalo National Park, where Charles learned about the reintroduction of wood bison. The Queen, meanwhile, recalled a family holiday near Montreal and reflected on Canada’s rich history, including the Battle of Quebec.
Their visit also marks the 100th anniversary of Canada House, which was first opened by George V in 1925. Charles was presented with a new key to the building, designed by Indigenous Canadian artist Morgan Asoyuf, symbolizing the enduring ties between the UK and Canada.
As the royal couple prepares for next week’s trip, First Nations advocate Chief Perry Bellegarde called the King’s upcoming throne speech at parliament a powerful symbol of Canada’s independence. “To have the monarch come and read the speech sends a strong message about Canada’s sovereignty,” he said.
