King Charles III has arrived in Canada for a visit intended to demonstrate support for the nation, which recognizes him as its head of state. The visit occurs amidst suggestions from U.S. President Donald Trump about potentially acquiring Canada as the 51st U.S. state.

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at Ottawa Airport in Ontario. The King was greeted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Governor General Mary Simon, the King’s representative in Canada, on the runway. King Charles subsequently held individual meetings with both Carney and Simon.

Despite a reduced schedule due to ongoing cancer treatment, the 76-year-old King’s trip to Canada emphasizes his strong dedication to the country, one of 15 where he reigns as monarch.

This marks King Charles’s first visit to Canada since ascending to the throne in September 2022.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Carney, King Charles will open Parliament on Tuesday. This is the first time a British monarch has performed this duty since Queen Elizabeth II 68 years ago.

Carney’s invitation followed repeated suggestions from Trump regarding annexing Canada, an idea strongly opposed by the Prime Minister, whose recent election victory was partly due to Canadians’ rejection of Trump’s proposal.

“The prime minister has clearly stated that Canada is permanently not available for purchase,” Ralph Goodale, Canada’s representative to the U.K., told reporters during a recent visit by King Charles to London.

“The King’s presence as head of state will reinforce the strength of that message,” Goodale added.

Earlier this month at the White House, Carney affirmed that Canada is “not for sale” and “never will be.”

King Charles has subtly displayed his support for Canada recently by wearing Canadian medals, referring to himself as the King of Canada, and praising the Canadian flag as “a symbol that evokes pride and admiration.”

King Charles faces a delicate situation as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to achieve positive outcomes with Trump concerning trade and the conflict in Ukraine.

During a visit to the White House in February, Starmer extended an invitation from King Charles to Trump for an unprecedented second state visit, despite the U.S. president’s frequent praise for the royal family.

Carney indicated that this invitation had upset Canadians.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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